 | The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse |  |
To my true Friend Mr. Nathanael Richards in due praise of his Tragedy of Messallina.
Friend, y'ave so well limn'd Messallina's lustT'were pitty that the Peece should kisse the dust
Of darke Oblivion; you have (I confesse)
Apply'd a due Preservative the Presse.
Y'are now sayl'd forth o'th Narrow Sea, the Stage,
Into the world's wide Ocean, where the rage
Of Criticisme, it's utmost will extend
To buffet your new Barke: But feare not Friend,
She's so well built, so ballac't, so well man'd
With Plot, with Forme and Language that shee'l stand
The storme; and having plough'd the Seas passion,
Will Anchor safe i'th Rhode of approbation:
Where judgements equall hand shall moare her fast,
And hang a Lawrell-Garland on her Maste.
Robert Davenport.
| The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse | |