University of Virginia Library

THE PROLOGUE.

Written by Tho. Cheek, Esq;
Spoken by Mr. Powell.
Apollo t'other Day in Council sat,
Where after many a learned and wise Debate,
Finding Wits Enemies so fast encrease,
To Silence noisy Fools, and keep the Peace,
It was Resolv'd—As well the Cause it fits,
To Reinforce his Regiment of Wits,
Among the rest, the Author of this Play
Here takes his Post, and enters into Pay.
He hopes to keep it too with Reputation,
And stem the Tide of Folly in the Nation.
That's a hard Task—, and I'm afraid it tends
To make him lose abundance of his Friends:
Yet tho' he has obtain'd a Priviledge,
He would be very loath to Disoblige.
The Race of Fops his Satyr ne're will drive at,
If modestly they'll play the Fool in private.
But if they still appear in publick Places,
With fashionable Nonsense and Grimaces,
He must not let 'em scape without Derision,
That were a Crime would forfeit his Commission.
Yet in this Play no Satyr will appear.
All that deserve it are in safety here.
From great Euripides he drew this Piece,
Euripides the boast of ancient Greece.
And wondrous Beauties of each coming Scene,
With Pride he owns he borrow'd from Racine.
Then, since these Poets had such great Success.
Why mayn't ours please you in an English dress?
Yet tho' like them the labour'd Scene he draws,
With just regard to the Dramatick Laws,
He'd not be thought of that vain-glorious Tribe,
Who their own Rules imperiously prescribe.
He better knows what to your Taste is due,
And writes well, only when he pleases you.
His Muse in Nature's Majesty appears,
She has no Sounds Tremendous to the Ears;
And if once more he should attempt to write,
His Pen shall Draw, your Palate shall Indite.