 | The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse |  |
To his Friend Mr. Nathanael Richards, upon his Tragedy of Messallina.
If it be good to write the truth of illAnd Vertues excellence, 'tis in thy skill
(Respected Friend) thy nimble Scenes discover
Romes lust-burnt Emp'resse and her vertuous Mother
So truly to the life; judgement may see,
(Praysing this Peece) I doe not flatter thee.
Men here may reade Heaven's Art to chastise Lust;
Rich Vertue in a Play, so cleare; no rust,
Bred by the squint ey'd critickes conquering breath
Can e're deface it; Messallina's death
Adds life unto the Stage; where though she die
Defam'd; true justice crownes this Tragedy.
Jo. Robinson.
| The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse | |