 | The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse |  |
To my Friend the Author Mr. Nathanael Richards on his Tragedy of Messallina.
For this thy Play (deare Friend) I must confesseThy Plot's contriv'd with such misteriousnesse
As if Fate turn'd the Scene; thy Language can
Expresse thee a Divine and Morrall Man,
The Musicke of thy Numbers might entice
Time's glorious Harlot from her lust-stung vice.
This is to shew my judgement, who will say
(That findes my approbation of this Play)
I want needefull knowledge? It shall be
Sufficient praise for me, I can praise thee.
'Tis judgement to know judgement, and I find
Most of our Playhouse wits, are of my minde.
Men call them Censurers a stocke of brothers,
Thought wise by praysing and dispraysing others:
Bid them write Playes themselves, & then you'l foyle 'em;
The'yl say they can't finde time, yes time to spoyle 'em.
Thou art above their aymes, who dislikes this
Must be a Goose, or Serpent: let him hisse.
Tho. Iordan
| The Tragedy of Messallina, The Roman Emperesse | |