102:00,000['  ]| <Poems and Epilogues by Elkannah Settle, taken from Danchin's edition,>
102:00,000['  ]| < with spellings modernised and punctuation revised.>
102:01,000[A  ]| <Cambyses, King of Persia (1671)>
102:01,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:01,001[A  ]| With no small pains our author has this day
102:01,002[A  ]| Brought on the stage a damned dull serious play.
102:01,003[A  ]| But what the devil is he like to gain?
102:01,004[A  ]| If wits, like states, with a joint power might reign;
102:01,005[A  ]| A poet's labour then were worth the while,
102:01,006[A  ]| Could he plead custom, and demand your smile.
102:01,007[A  ]| But that was ne'er in fashion. Poets ought
102:01,008[A  ]| To write with the same spirit Caesar fought:
102:01,009[A  ]| Indifferent writers are condemned, for now
102:01,010[A  ]| There grow no laurels for a common brow.<10>
102:01,011[A  ]| None but great Ben, Shakespeare, or whom this age
102:01,012[A  ]| Has made their heirs, succeed now on the stage.
102:01,013[A  ]| As eagles try their young against the sun,
102:01,014[A  ]| The self-same hazard all young writers run:
102:01,015[A  ]| They are accounted a false bastard race
102:01,016[A  ]| That are not able to look wit in the face
102:01,017[A  ]| And therefore must expect an equal fate
102:01,018[A  ]| To be disowned as illegitimate.
102:01,019[A  ]| Thus conscious of their weaknesses and wants
102:01,020[A  ]| They know their doom; as deserts to young plants.<20>
102:01,021[A  ]| You no more mercy to young writers show,
102:01,022[A  ]| You damn and blast 'em ere they've time to grow.
102:01,023[A  ]| Thus you have learnt the Turkish cruelty:
102:01,024[A  ]| When elder brothers reign, the younger die.
102:01,025[A  ]| But as those Turks, when they're for death designed,
102:01,026[A  ]| This favour from their cruel brothers find:
102:01,027[A  ]| Strangled by mutes, who fitted for the fact
102:01,028[A  ]| Want tongues to speak the cruelty they act.
102:01,029[A  ]| Knowing the dangers of a public shame
102:01,030[A  ]| Our rhymer hopes his fate may be the same:<30>
102:01,031[A  ]| He humbly begs, if you must cruel be,
102:01,032[A  ]| You'd make no noise when you his doom decree,
102:01,033[A  ]| But if you damn him, damn him silently.
102:02,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:02,001[A  ]| The Persian laws now cease to seem severe,
102:02,002[A  ]| You have more cruel laws that govern here:
102:02,003[A  ]| Your undisputed power, who judges sit
102:02,004[A  ]| To sentence all the trespasses of wit.
102:02,005[A  ]| How can our author then his doom recall?
102:02,006[A  ]| He knows he must under your justice fall,
102:02,007[A  ]| Being guilty of so capital a crime
102:02,008[A  ]| As shedding so much human blood in rhyme.
102:02,009[A  ]| Amongst you wits such monstrous factions rage,
102:02,010[A  ]| Such various censures, that 'tis thought the stage<10>
102:02,011[A  ]| Breeds more opinions, and produces far
102:02,012[A  ]| More heresies than the late civil war.
102:02,013[A  ]| Nay, poets too themselves, of late, they say
102:02,014[A  ]| The greatest hectors are that e'er huffed play.
102:02,015[A  ]| Like the issue of the dragon's teeth, one brother
102:02,016[A  ]| In a poetic fury falls on t'other.
102:02,017[A  ]| 'Tis thought you'll grow to that excess of rage
102:02,018[A  ]| That Ben had need come guarded on the stage.
102:02,019[A  ]| Nay, you have found a most compendious way
102:02,020[A  ]| Of damning now, before you see the play.<20>
102:02,021[A  ]| But maugre all your spite, poets of late
102:02,022[A  ]| Stand stoutly unconcerned at their play's fate;
102:02,023[A  ]| Provided, 'tis their destiny to gain,
102:02,024[A  ]| Like the famed royal slave, a third day's reign.
102:02,025[A  ]| Then sacrifice 'em as you please:
102:02,026[A  ]| But if you'll be so prodigal to give
102:02,027[A  ]| Our saucy scribbler a three days' reprieve,
102:02,028[A  ]| He impudently swears he'll boldly sue
102:02,029[A  ]| When your hand's in, to beg your pardon too.
102:02,030[A  ]| If this, his first, but prosperously hit<30>
102:02,031[A  ]| And 'scape those rocks where he sees others split,
102:02,032[A  ]| He vows he'll write once more, only to show
102:02,033[A  ]| What your kind favour's influence can do.
102:02,034[A  ]| Faith, for once grant it, that the world may say
102:02,035[A  ]| Your smiles have been the authors of a play.
102:03,000[A  ]| <Cambyses (at Oxford, 1672)>
102:03,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:03,001[A  ]| You need not wonder why we change our spheres:
102:03,002[A  ]| Your influence hath made us wanderers.
102:03,003[A  ]| Your gracious aspect's power extends so far
102:03,004[A  ]| You see it can transplant a theatre.
102:03,005[A  ]| It's this that brings us to the Oxford stage:
102:03,006[A  ]| Devotion is the rise of pilgrimage,
102:03,007[A  ]| And to what nobler seat can we resort
102:03,008[A  ]| Than here, where reign those Muses which we court?
102:03,009[A  ]| Oxford, whose sacred power creates us thus,
102:03,010[A  ]| 'Tis Oxford makes those poets that make us;<10>
102:03,011[A  ]| And therefore we do for your welcome sue,
102:03,012[A  ]| Not only as your guests, but creatures too:
102:03,013[A  ]| This makes us your petitioners. But hold,
102:03,014[A  ]| We beg new favours and forget the old;
102:03,015[A  ]| Your last kind entertainment was so great,
102:03,016[A  ]| We may acknowledge but not pay the debt.
102:03,017[A  ]| When from your smiles such honours we contracted,
102:03,018[A  ]| We seemed to be those monarchs which we acted,
102:03,019[A  ]| For your high kindnesses' excess convinces,
102:03,020[A  ]| Your smiles make favourites, but your treats make princes.<20>
102:03,021[A  ]| And therefore as your right you should exact
102:03,022[A  ]| Our tributary thanks for your last act;
102:03,023[A  ]| And justly now we may expect to find,
102:03,024[A  ]| Since you have once been so, you'll still be kind.
102:03,025[A  ]| Inconstancy's a passion that intrudes
102:03,026[A  ]| Into the breasts of untaught multitudes;
102:03,027[A  ]| The favours of great wits are firm and staid
102:03,028[A  ]| And like your own fresh laurels, never fade.
102:03,029[A  ]| From this assurance we presume to say
102:03,030[A  ]| That we have confidence to act a play.<30>
102:03,031[A  ]| But now methinks some serious judgement says,
102:03,032[A  ]| What hath a solemn act to do with plays?
102:03,033[A  ]| By the same law we for that right contest,
102:03,034[A  ]| As mummers plead admission to a feast.
102:03,035[A  ]| Our comic faces will some pleasure add:
102:03,036[A  ]| You make the treat, and we the masquerade.
102:03,037[A  ]| But then our house wants ornament and scene
102:03,038[A  ]| Which the chief grandeur of a play maintain.
102:03,039[A  ]| But to excuse this want, we must confess
102:03,040[A  ]| We are but travellers in a riding dress.<40>
102:04,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:04,001[A  ]| Learning in its long progress from the East
102:04,002[A  ]| Did visit many countries like a guest:
102:04,003[A  ]| From Syria it to fertile Egypt ran,
102:04,004[A  ]| From Persia to the wilder Indian;
102:04,005[A  ]| The Magi and the famed Gymnosophist
102:04,006[A  ]| Welcomed almighty Learning as it passed;
102:04,007[A  ]| To haughty Greece, from thence to prouder Rome,
102:04,008[A  ]| At last it stayed at Oxon as its home.
102:04,009[A  ]| When the great conquering Caesar first came here
102:04,010[A  ]| Not any mark of Learning did appear<10>
102:04,011[A  ]| But what on every naked Pict was seen
102:04,012[A  ]| And painted on his hieroglyphic skin.
102:04,013[A  ]| But since she grew majestically great:
102:04,014[A  ]| When she made Oxon her imperial seat,
102:04,015[A  ]| The loyal Oxon that has still withstood
102:04,016[A  ]| And still made head against the rebellious flood,
102:04,017[A  ]| Oxford that does and will forever stand
102:04,018[A  ]| The only untainted city in the land,
102:04,019[A  ]| 'Tis hither from all parts the afflicted fly,
102:04,020[A  ]| For Oxon is the nation's sanctuary.<20>
102:04,021[A  ]| When pious Charles too sensibly did feel
102:04,022[A  ]| The pride and insolence of pretended zeal,
102:04,023[A  ]| When many cities did his hopes defeat
102:04,024[A  ]| He found in Oxon a secure retreat;
102:04,025[A  ]| Then was the pen and peaceful gown laid by
102:04,026[A  ]| And every one to dreadful arms did fly.
102:04,027[A  ]| 'Tis doubtful which more honour did afford,
102:04,028[A  ]| Their conquering pens, or their victorious sword.
102:04,029[A  ]| This from the world did gain them high esteem
102:04,030[A  ]| That they did not leave him, but he them.<30>
102:04,031[A  ]| 'Tis here our princes have been still secure
102:04,032[A  ]| Against the rage of pestilence and war;
102:04,033[A  ]| 'Tis here the sacred muses have been free
102:04,034[A  ]| When all the nation was in slavery;
102:04,035[A  ]| They like the sun were by their rage and spite
102:04,036[A  ]| Eclipsed, but could not be extinguished quite.
102:04,037[A  ]| That of which learned Johnson did complain
102:04,038[A  ]| And often wished to see, but wished in vain,
102:04,039[A  ]| Fate has bestowed on us: he wished to see
102:04,040[A  ]| A learned, a selected company<40>
102:04,041[A  ]| To sit in judgement on the plays he writ
102:04,042[A  ]| And give 'em the immortal stamp of wit.
102:04,043[A  ]| In London no such auditors appear,
102:04,044[A  ]| Nor can they be seen anywhere but here.
102:04,045[A  ]| 'Tis true, we have great wits, great judges there,
102:04,046[A  ]| But what they but pretend to be, you are.
102:04,047[A  ]| You plaudits where they are deserved bestow,
102:04,048[A  ]| Where you find weaknesses you pardon too.
102:04,049[A  ]| This makes us with an awful reverence stand
102:04,050[A  ]| And not your praise, but pardon, sirs, demand.<50>
102:04,051[A  ]| Since then you still were merciful and good:
102:04,052[A  ]| Accept what we have done, for what we should.
102:04,053[A  ]| Since to divert you was our sole intent,
102:04,054[A  ]| Pray, sirs, think that well done, which was well meant.
102:05,000[A  ]| <The Careless Lovers (Ravenscroft, 1673)>
102:05,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:05,001[A  ]| Gallants, 'tis feared after our last loud play
102:05,002[A  ]| You will be deaf to all low wit can say.
102:05,003[A  ]| Lightning, machine and noise your favourites are;
102:05,004[A  ]| Those murdering plays, the stage's men-of-war,
102:05,005[A  ]| Drive all before 'em like an English fleet,
102:05,006[A  ]| All's prize that in their thunder's reach they meet.
102:05,007[A  ]| Their mighty first-rate strength so great appears
102:05,008[A  ]| We younger actors seem but privateers,
102:05,009[A  ]| And like true picaroons, this time we choose
102:05,010[A  ]| Where the great ships lie by, the capers cruise.<10>
102:05,011[A  ]| Yet we engage with full as much devotion,
102:05,012[A  ]| Though with less hope and far less execution.
102:05,013[A  ]| Howe'er we adventurers so little stake,
102:05,014[A  ]| 'Tis all clear profit whatsoe'er we take,
102:05,015[A  ]| Whilst they from the large booty they had got
102:05,016[A  ]| Paid tribute to the force that set them out
102:05,017[A  ]| As if gay plays, like navies, had this check
102:05,018[A  ]| In a rich prize, to plunder but one deck.
102:05,019[A  ]| Yet their fame's greater, though their gain be less,
102:05,020[A  ]| You kindly say: They merited success.<20>
102:05,021[A  ]| Their triumphs so much above ours prevail,
102:05,022[A  ]| You'll own, they won your money which we steal.
102:05,023[A  ]| They conquer a more honourable way,
102:05,024[A  ]| Their spoils are victory, and ours but prey.
102:05,025[A  ]| Now has our damned dull Epilogue ill used you;
102:05,026[A  ]| I'm sure it has not pleased, that is, abused you.
102:05,027[A  ]| ~~ But that small fault today
102:05,028[A  ]| May be excused, we've done it enough in the play.
102:06,000[A  ]| <The Empress of Morocco (at court, 1673)>
102:06,000[A  ]| <Check whether only Prologue (a) is of doubtful authorship>
102:06,000[A  ]| <It has been moved to "Settlpe3".>
102:06,000[A  ]| <Prologue (b)>
102:06,001[A  ]| As timorous favourites that have slighted long
102:06,002[A  ]| A faction, which at last they find grow strong,
102:06,003[A  ]| Think with themselves how they betime may close
102:06,004[A  ]| And make a peace with their prevailing foes,
102:06,005[A  ]| So our young ladies almost dead with fear
102:06,006[A  ]| Reflect on all they may have angered here,
102:06,007[A  ]| And with a flattering Prologue would excuse
102:06,008[A  ]| The scorn and rigour which they once did use.
102:06,009[A  ]| This humble errand I am sent to do
102:06,010[A  ]| But it would ill become our sex to woo,<10>
102:06,011[A  ]| Nor shall we need it sure to such as you.
102:06,012[A  ]| Methinks you should not rail at us today
102:06,013[A  ]| And you are too gallant to mind the play.
102:06,014[A  ]| But though you do, we hope at last each scene
102:06,015[A  ]| Where we shall act will take, though ne'er so mean.
102:06,016[A  ]| In a fine lady's mouth all fine will show
102:06,017[A  ]| As winds blow sweet when they through gardens blow.
102:06,018[A  ]| Use well the power we put into your hands,
102:06,019[A  ]| And know, long at its height no empire stands.
102:06,020[A  ]| You were at ours, we at your mercy now<20>
102:06,021[A  ]| And must like vassals to our vassals bow.
102:06,022[A  ]| Yet my brisk monsieurs be not too severe
102:06,023[A  ]| You have but a little time to domineer,
102:06,024[A  ]| And every jest of yours may cost you dear.
102:06,025[A  ]| 'Tis but like royal slaves, this night you reign:
102:06,026[A  ]| The play once done, we shall be crowned again,
102:06,027[A  ]| And you, poor captives, must resume your chain.
102:06,028[A  ]| Then do your worst, we will the shock abide,
102:06,029[A  ]| You can at most but a feigned love deride;
102:06,030[A  ]| When in good earnest you shall come to woo,<30>
102:06,031[A  ]| It will be then our turn to laugh at you.
102:07,000[A  ]| <The Empress of Morocco (at the playhouse, 1673)>
102:07,000[A  ]| <Prologue (c)>
102:07,001[A  ]| For this day's treatment you have paid too dear:
102:07,002[A  ]| Your best beloved diversion is not here;
102:07,003[A  ]| All you're now like to have is a dull play:
102:07,004[A  ]| The Wells have stolen the vizard masks away.
102:07,005[A  ]| Now punk in penitential drink begins
102:07,006[A  ]| To purge the surfeit of her London sins.
102:07,007[A  ]| Their loves have been o'erstocked, and but make stop
102:07,008[A  ]| For a new tillage towards another crop.
102:07,009[A  ]| 'Tis seasonable sometimes to forbear:
102:07,010[A  ]| Alas it is not harvest all the year.<10>
102:07,011[A  ]| Though heated they like tattered ships keep in:
102:07,012[A  ]| They stay but to refit, then launch again.
102:07,013[A  ]| Be honest then one day, and patient sit
102:07,014[A  ]| With neither bawdy in the play nor pit.
102:07,015[A  ]| And though thus far you to your loss are come,
102:07,016[A  ]| What's yet still worse: you must drive empty home.
102:07,017[A  ]| Nor when play's done need the shamefaced debauch
102:07,018[A  ]| Change the guilt chariot for the hackney coach.
102:07,019[A  ]| Then since our sober audience denies
102:07,020[A  ]| You furious men of prey all hopes of prize,<20>
102:07,021[A  ]| To see the play should be your only ends:
102:07,022[A  ]| We'll then presume you are the author's friends.
102:07,023[A  ]| And though you miss your dear delights, you may
102:07,024[A  ]| Be to the poet kind, and clap the play:
102:07,025[A  ]| Your hands are now employed no other way.
102:08,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:08,001[A  ]| This play, like country girl come up to town,
102:08,002[A  ]| Longed to appear fine, in jewels, and rich gown;
102:08,003[A  ]| And so,
102:08,004[A  ]| Hoping its pride you courtiers would support,
102:08,005[A  ]| To please you, lost its maidenhead at court.
102:08,006[A  ]| Puffed with the glittering of your gaudy charms,
102:08,007[A  ]| It feared to meet no danger in your arms;
102:08,008[A  ]| And though the harshest censures be its due,
102:08,009[A  ]| Yet kinder usage it deserves from you.
102:08,010[A  ]| A generous gallant, though tired and cloyed,<10>
102:08,011[A  ]| Should still speak well of what he has enjoyed.
102:08,012[A  ]| Should you damn this, you would yourselves reproach:
102:08,013[A  ]| 'Tis barbarous to defame what you debauch.
102:08,014[A  ]| Nay, now you've cast off, yet do not frown,
102:08,015[A  ]| Though like the refuge of a miss of the town
102:08,016[A  ]| It is turned common: yours for half a crown.
102:08,017[A  ]| 'Twas generous at court and did for love,
102:08,018[A  ]| But does for profit to the stage remove.
102:08,019[A  ]| Women and wit on equal scores begin,
102:08,020[A  ]| Love and affection first may make 'em sin,<20>
102:08,021[A  ]| They trade for interest when they're once got in.
102:08,022[A  ]| But for you, sirs, who censure but not write,
102:08,023[A  ]| Who do in wit as some in war delight,
102:08,024[A  ]| Whose courages do not much care to fight
102:08,025[A  ]| (But though they can't of scars nor conquests vapour,
102:08,026[A  ]| They can draw sieges and take towns in paper),
102:08,027[A  ]| You it will be hard to please:
102:08,028[A  ]| Critics whose saving and condemning still
102:08,029[A  ]| Is not your act of judgement, but your will,
102:08,030[A  ]| Who equal choice in plays as faces make:<30>
102:08,031[A  ]| What you resolve, not what deserves shall take.
102:08,032[A  ]| Thus your applause resembles your amours: 
102:08,033[A  ]| Have we not seen (O love's almighty powers!)
102:08,034[A  ]| A wench with tallow looks and winter face
102:08,035[A  ]| Continue on man's favourite seven years' space?
102:08,036[A  ]| Some ravishing knack in the sport and some brisk motion
102:08,037[A  ]| Keeps the gilt coach and the gallant's devotion.
102:08,038[A  ]| Be to this toy thus kind, and you will raise
102:08,039[A  ]| Much better fancies to write better plays.
102:08,040[A  ]| When meaner faces are used kindly by ye,<40>
102:08,041[A  ]| What power have greater beauties to deny ye?
102:08,042[A  ]| So your kind smiles advance the scribbling trade:
102:08,043[A  ]| To get good plays you must excuse the bad.
102:09,000[A  ]| <Love and Revenge (1674)>
102:09,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:09,001[A  ]| Plays without scene, machine, or dance, to hit
102:09,002[A  ]| Must make up the defect of show with wit;
102:09,003[A  ]| As sometimes coarse girl takes in homely gown
102:09,004[A  ]| Whose beauty, though 'tis little, is her own,
102:09,005[A  ]| Before a gaudy flutterer of the town.
102:09,006[A  ]| So 'tis with plays; and though a gaudy sight
102:09,007[A  ]| (Song, dance, and show more briskly move delight,
102:09,008[A  ]| And there the advantage get o'er plain-dressed sense),
102:09,009[A  ]| Yet wit and object have this difference:
102:09,010[A  ]| As poor raw girls express in their love's arms<10>
102:09,011[A  ]| With untaught kindness their unpractised charms,
102:09,012[A  ]| Whilst a town mistress, with a much more gay
102:09,013[A  ]| And lively air does the amorous wanton play, 
102:09,014[A  ]| Yet they in this perfection get the start:
102:09,015[A  ]| Their excellence is nature, hers but art.
102:09,016[A  ]| Yet still 'tis object has a power most strong:
102:09,017[A  ]| Nature 'tis true delights you, but not long,
102:09,018[A  ]| 'Tis fine plays draw an everlasting throng.
102:09,019[A  ]| So with plain girls one night or two you'll sleep,
102:09,020[A  ]| But a gay mistress for whole years you'll keep.<20.>
102:09,021[A  ]| Yet though your kindness lies another way,
102:09,022[A  ]| Our modest author humbly begs he may
102:09,023[A  ]| Crowd in this entertainment; for one night
102:09,024[A  ]| Divert, though not content your appetite.
102:10,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:10,001[A  ]| Ladies, this play our author stole from you:
102:10,002[A  ]| Here he your anger, there your influence drew;
102:10,003[A  ]| And whilst such love, and such revenge he made,
102:10,004[A  ]| He both your honour and your charms surveyed.
102:10,005[A  ]| From you then let this play protection take,
102:10,006[A  ]| Whilst beauties judge the characters they make.
102:10,007[A  ]| But such a lover as you've seen today
102:10,008[A  ]| I fear you rarely meet but in a play.
102:10,009[A  ]| Marriage, 'tis true, goes on in the old road,
102:10,010[A  ]| But dying lovers are quite out of mode:<10>
102:10,011[A  ]| Search but the calendar and I'm mistaken
102:10,012[A  ]| If you finds saints or martyrs of Love's making.
102:10,013[A  ]| No, courtiers now take a quite different way:
102:10,014[A  ]| As, madam, you're so pretty and so gay,
102:10,015[A  ]| Gad take me, I could throw a heart away
102:10,016[A  ]| On such a charming rogue. Come, is it a match?
102:10,017[A  ]| Hang studying, there's nothing like dispatch.
102:10,018[A  ]| I am for marrying whilst our bloods are hot,
102:10,019[A  ]| You shall have coach and jointure, and what not.
102:10,020[A  ]| So if she likes her man, the fort is won;<20>
102:10,021[A  ]| If not, they kiss and part, and no harm's done.
102:10,022[A  ]| As for despairing lovers to hang, stab, drown,
102:10,023[A  ]| Or run mad when their cruel ladies frown,
102:10,024[A  ]| There's no such thing in Nature. So much rage
102:10,025[A  ]| Is none of the diseases of this age.
102:10,026[A  ]| But though your charms such worthless captives take,
102:10,027[A  ]| And through the age's lightness rarely make,
102:10,028[A  ]| 'Mongst all your numerous slaves, one sacrifice
102:10,029[A  ]| Who at the feet of a harsh mistress dies:
102:10,030[A  ]| The fault's not in your beauty, but their eyes.<30>
102:11,000[A  ]| <The Conquest of China by the Tartars (1675)>
102:11,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:11,001[A  ]| When your forefathers did our judges sit,
102:11,002[A  ]| And spite and malice were not counted wit,
102:11,003[A  ]| Men's appetites lay quite a different way:
102:11,004[A  ]| They came to a playhouse then to like a play;
102:11,005[A  ]| They came to meet diversion from the stage,
102:11,006[A  ]| But 'tis not that that brings you here this age.
102:11,007[A  ]| Since custom 'mongst the gallants of the pit
102:11,008[A  ]| Has made confederacy the badge of wit,
102:11,009[A  ]| That mode of liking plays is as much out
102:11,010[A  ]| As 'tis to go to church to be devout.<10>
102:11,011[A  ]| Fancy and wit can no more please you here
102:11,012[A  ]| Than faith and reason can convert you there.
102:11,013[A  ]| Incorrigible you resolve you'll be
102:11,014[A  ]| And prayers have no more power than poetry.
102:11,015[A  ]| And faith, to make comparisons in both cases,
102:11,016[A  ]| Much the same business brings you to both places:
102:11,017[A  ]| 'Tis not the plays invite you, nor the poet:
102:11,018[A  ]| Good company and assignations do it.
102:11,019[A  ]| And so you come too to a pulpit treat
102:11,020[A  ]| To like the guests more than the fare you meet;<20>
102:11,021[A  ]| And gad, I think the cause is much at one
102:11,022[A  ]| Why you the poet as the priests run down:
102:11,023[A  ]| In a smart prologue or satiric play
102:11,024[A  ]| He tells you of your sins as well as they.
102:11,025[A  ]| But since you're desperate and you defy us
102:11,026[A  ]| To make you kind, and them to make you pious:
102:11,027[A  ]| For your lost state which will be best? To pray
102:11,028[A  ]| In the huffing author's or mild parson's way?
102:11,029[A  ]| And cry with this: Have mercy on you, Heaven,
102:11,030[A  ]| Grant you more grace and be your sins forgiven,<30>
102:11,031[A  ]| Or else with the other in an angry style:
102:11,032[A  ]| Death cannot wit, nor sense deserve a smile?
102:11,033[A  ]| If no good usage, cost, nor pains can make ye
102:11,034[A  ]| Less spiteful, and more kind, the Devil take ye.
102:12,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:12,001[A  ]| Well, a romantic and a slaughtering lass
102:12,002[A  ]| With the hectors of the pit will never pass.
102:12,003[A  ]| I said as much, but the insipid ass
102:12,004[A  ]| Would needs write on, and told me that his muse
102:12,005[A  ]| Had history and truth for her excuse.
102:12,006[A  ]| Nay, if he'd have it so, what's that to me?
102:12,007[A  ]| I told him I loved fighting more than he
102:12,008[A  ]| And would refuse no honourable terms.
102:12,009[A  ]| And so ~~ 
102:12,010[A  ]| From stripling Cupid grew a man of arms;<10>
102:12,011[A  ]| And though these martial dresses are not common,
102:12,012[A  ]| Well-armed you'll find it hard to foil a woman.
102:12,013[A  ]| Think not our courage for our sex less bold,
102:12,014[A  ]| Nor us so brittle but our strength can hold;
102:12,015[A  ]| For, fighting gallants, when you led the dance,
102:12,016[A  ]| Some of our sex went after you to France
102:12,017[A  ]| And female bully into breeches got
102:12,018[A  ]| Some say the last sea fight stood cannon shot.
102:12,019[A  ]| Why may not women have as generous ends
102:12,020[A  ]| In conquering enemies as obliging friends?<20>
102:12,021[A  ]| So fair a theme I could with ease pursue,
102:12,022[A  ]| But, so much for ours; now for the poet's due:
102:12,023[A  ]| Our author, as the humble fops still say,
102:12,024[A  ]| Begs you'd be favourable to his play.
102:12,025[A  ]| But I say: No, do not your censures spare;
102:12,026[A  ]| Be ill-natured, do, and damn it ~~ if you dare.
102:12,027[A  ]| Come hither ~~ <To Mr Smith>
102:12,028[A  ]| Does not that whispering, wry-faced gang that got in
102:12,029[A  ]| Yon corner, look as if they were a-plotting
102:12,030[A  ]| Against the play?<30>
102:12,031[A  ]| <Mr. Smith> Yes, what then?
102:12,032[A  ]| <Mrs. Lee> Do they so?
102:12,033[A  ]| Death, I'll be with them. <Offers to draw>
102:12,034[A  ]| <Mr. Smith> Hold, hold.
102:12,035[A  ]| <Mrs. Lee> Let me go:
102:12,036[A  ]| Is it not enough that they run poets down
102:12,037[A  ]| And damn you and your plays for their half-crown,
102:12,038[A  ]| But they must stare, look big, and hector us?
102:12,039[A  ]| Are all our kindnesses requited thus?
102:12,040[A  ]| Did not the boys act women's parts last age<40>
102:12,041[A  ]| Till we in pity to the barren stage
102:12,042[A  ]| Came to reform your eyes that went astray
102:12,043[A  ]| And taught you passion the true English way?
102:12,044[A  ]| Have not the women of the stage done this,
102:12,045[A  ]| Nay, took all shapes, and used most means to please?
102:12,046[A  ]| How many on's, you naughty men, you know
102:12,047[A  ]| Have used you but too well? Nay and some few
102:12,048[A  ]| (But not too much of that) been constant too?
102:12,049[A  ]| And if to damn us now is our reward
102:12,050[A  ]| I say no more, but ~~ faith, 'tis very hard.<50>
102:13,000[A  ]| <Ibrahim the Illustrious Bassa (1676)>
102:13,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:13,001[A  ]| Applause is grown a strange coy mistress now:
102:13,002[A  ]| Courted by all, and yet obtained by few.
102:13,003[A  ]| 'Tis true, when any favourite plays appear,
102:13,004[A  ]| Then kindness and good nature brings you here,
102:13,005[A  ]| And to secure the censures of the town
102:13,006[A  ]| The pit is filled with friends in the forenoon;
102:13,007[A  ]| And those five long expecting hours you stay
102:13,008[A  ]| Are spent in making proselytes to the play.
102:13,009[A  ]| Such favour is not common, nor are wit
102:13,010[A  ]| And sense the only means of gaining it.<10>
102:13,011[A  ]| That happy man, the author you commend,
102:13,012[A  ]| Must be at once a poet and a friend,
102:13,013[A  ]| Honoured by the acquaintance of the great,
102:13,014[A  ]| His conversation eminent as his wit.
102:13,015[A  ]| And, as the effect of your kind influence,
102:13,016[A  ]| We've seen such refined fancy, so much sense,
102:13,017[A  ]| Such plays as do deserve so much applause,
102:13,018[A  ]| They need no favour to support their cause.
102:13,019[A  ]| But since our author wants that interest
102:13,020[A  ]| And those perfections which delight you best,<20>
102:13,021[A  ]| And none of those kind leading votes can boast,
102:13,022[A  ]| Let not his play for his hard fate be lost.
102:13,023[A  ]| What if your author be not one of you?
102:13,024[A  ]| Wit should like coin pass current from a Jew
102:13,025[A  ]| And should not its esteem like medals hold
102:13,026[A  ]| Where the image more than weight gives price to the gold.
102:13,027[A  ]| Gallants, let wit the fate of beauty find:
102:13,028[A  ]| Be to it, wheresoe'er you meet it, kind;
102:13,029[A  ]| I'm sure variety best pleases there.
102:13,030[A  ]| The mistress you maintain gay, brisk, and fair<30>
102:13,031[A  ]| Does not so much your stock of kindness reap
102:13,032[A  ]| But you can spend some hours on joys more cheap.
102:13,033[A  ]| And so ~~ 
102:13,034[A  ]| On humble writers let some favours fall,
102:13,035[A  ]| Let not the dons of wit engross you all.
102:14,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:14,001[A  ]| How many has our rhymer killed today?
102:14,002[A  ]| What need of siege and conquest in a play,
102:14,003[A  ]| When Love can do the work as well as they?
102:14,004[A  ]| Yet 'tis such Love as you've scarce met before:
102:14,005[A  ]| Such Love, I'm sure, as English ground ne'er bore.
102:14,006[A  ]| Had half the injured ladies of this age
102:14,007[A  ]| His Roxolana's kindness and her rage,
102:14,008[A  ]| What heaps on heaps of female sufferers here
102:14,009[A  ]| Would your good men make martyrs in one year?
102:14,010[A  ]| But, thanks to Heaven, you've not her fond disease:<10>
102:14,011[A  ]| E'en let 'em range and wander where they please.
102:14,012[A  ]| You're not such fools to think of poisoning yet,
102:14,013[A  ]| You want her love, but you have twice her wit;
102:14,014[A  ]| Dying's a mode your wiser thoughts condemn,
102:14,015[A  ]| You've a more pleasing way to punish 'em.
102:14,016[A  ]| And should our brood of gallants take this rule
102:14,017[A  ]| And turn such lovers as his Persian fool,
102:14,018[A  ]| Kind husband then might peaceably discover
102:14,019[A  ]| An assignation made 'twixt spouse and lover;
102:14,020[A  ]| Leave you at cribbage, let you see a play,<20>
102:14,021[A  ]| Or take the air in a fair summer's day;
102:14,022[A  ]| Let you stay out in masquerade whole nights
102:14,023[A  ]| With twenty other innocent delights
102:14,024[A  ]| And no harm done. ~~ And yet how wild soe'er
102:14,025[A  ]| The humours of this brisk mad age appear,
102:14,026[A  ]| 'Tis ten to one but the author still will say
102:14,027[A  ]| Your virtues were the patterns of his play,
102:14,028[A  ]| And swear you down,
102:14,029[A  ]| His love and honour both were stolen from you
102:14,030[A  ]| And from your features he his heroes drew.<30>
102:14,031[A  ]| There's ne'er a comic writer but will say
102:14,032[A  ]| You're all of you the patterns of his play,
102:14,033[A  ]| Yet takes your pictures at so damned a light,
102:14,034[A  ]| Paints you so ugly that your looks would fright,
102:14,035[A  ]| And yet their plays are your most dear delight.
102:14,036[A  ]| Why in your hearts may not the heroics share?
102:14,037[A  ]| Those make you worse, these better than you are.
102:14,038[A  ]| And flatterers sure should not successless prove
102:14,039[A  ]| When those that do abuse you have your love.
102:15,000[A  ]| <Pastor Fido: or, The Faithful Shepherd (1676)>
102:15,000[A  ]| <Prologue (a)>
102:15,001[A  ]| Well, gallants, when we tell you we've been just
102:15,002[A  ]| To the renowned Guarini's sacred dust,
102:15,003[A  ]| And to secure your good opinions, say
102:15,004[A  ]| We've brought an admired relic into play,
102:15,005[A  ]| Methinks I hear a young brisk critic swear:
102:15,006[A  ]| Ounds, do they think we're antiquaries here?
102:15,007[A  ]| Rot the dull rhyming fops of the last age!
102:15,008[A  ]| Damn 'em, they'll bring the British bards of the stage.
102:15,009[A  ]| There's your condemning vote. Of all mankind,
102:15,010[A  ]| Unhappy writers the least mercy find.<10>
102:15,011[A  ]| A play, but for one fault in the design:
102:15,012[A  ]| A hobbling verse, dull thought, or a flat line,
102:15,013[A  ]| Is lost beyond the power of a reprieve.
102:15,014[A  ]| Yet there are greater faults you can forgive:
102:15,015[A  ]| As, for example, some of you by fate
102:15,016[A  ]| And your kind parents, get a great estate,
102:15,017[A  ]| And, having other ways to employ your wit
102:15,018[A  ]| Than in the foolish care of keeping it,
102:15,019[A  ]| Straight a grave, sober guardian steward comes
102:15,020[A  ]| To read your papers and to count your sums,<20>
102:15,021[A  ]| Whom we soon see by industry and care
102:15,022[A  ]| Out of his three-score pounds' allowance, clear
102:15,023[A  ]| In seven years' space, a thousand pounds a year:
102:15,024[A  ]| Yet he, good honest man, shall be forgiven.
102:15,025[A  ]| Another keeps a miss the modish way,
102:15,026[A  ]| And when poor duns, quite weary, will not stay,
102:15,027[A  ]| The hopeless squire's into Alsatia driven,
102:15,028[A  ]| Yet pretty charming sinner is forgiven.
102:15,029[A  ]| And yet these very men, for three hours spent
102:15,030[A  ]| At a dull play, what rage and fire they'll vent!<30>
102:15,031[A  ]| Since greater losses go so easily down,
102:15,032[A  ]| Faith, gallants, do not pine for half a crown.
102:16,000[A  ]| <Epilogue (a)>
102:16,001[A  ]| Who would not damn a silly rhyming fop
102:16,002[A  ]| When there is scarce a foreman of a shop
102:16,003[A  ]| With sense of animal, and face of stoic
102:16,004[A  ]| Who courts poor tawdry sempstress in heroic,
102:16,005[A  ]| Will make ye rhymes on cakes and ale, rehearse
102:16,006[A  ]| A holiday's treat at Islington in verse?
102:16,007[A  ]| Rhyming, which once had got so much your passion,
102:16,008[A  ]| When it became the lumber of the nation,
102:16,009[A  ]| Like vests, your seven years' love, grew out of fashion.
102:16,010[A  ]| Great subjects and grave poets please no more,<10>
102:16,011[A  ]| Their high strains now to humble farce must lower.
102:16,012[A  ]| So strutting gallant in his burly vest
102:16,013[A  ]| And in his loose full-bodied tunic dressed,
102:16,014[A  ]| All on a sudden to thin-gutted paunch,
102:16,015[A  ]| A slim French jerkin, breeches close to haunch,
102:16,016[A  ]| Was grown so changed, you'd swear the slender imp
102:16,017[A  ]| Was dwindled from a lobster to a shrimp.
102:16,018[A  ]| And as with habits, so 'tis with the stage:
102:16,019[A  ]| Fashion is all the beauty of the age.
102:16,020[A  ]| And yet, though (thanks be to our happy stars)<20>
102:16,021[A  ]| We've fools enough, good comedies are scarce
102:16,022[A  ]| And, faith, 'tis very strange, fops being so plenty,
102:16,023[A  ]| There's not one hits your pictures right in twenty.
102:16,024[A  ]| And, gad, the reason I have thought upon:
102:16,025[A  ]| To that variety of fop you run,
102:16,026[A  ]| Your features change ere half your picture's done.
102:16,027[A  ]| Be but more constant, fool, but on one way
102:16,028[A  ]| And sit but out the finishing a play.
102:16,029[A  ]| And gentlemen, my honest word I'll pawn:
102:16,030[A  ]| You may be better pleased, and better drawn.<30>
102:17,000[A  ]| <Prologue (b)>
102:17,001[A  ]| Preface and Prologue are such modish toys,
102:17,002[A  ]| Books aren't without this, nor without that plays.
102:17,003[A  ]| Welcome, gallants! and ladies of the May,
102:17,004[A  ]| You shall be courted modishly today
102:17,005[A  ]| Because without you, there had been no play.
102:17,006[A  ]| As to our play's original: we'll first
102:17,007[A  ]| Do right to famed Guarini's sacred dust,
102:17,008[A  ]| Its learned author. Nor let it be decried
102:17,009[A  ]| 'Cause all's Italian, nothing's Frenchified.
102:17,010[A  ]| For plays (you know) like clothes submit to mode,<10>
102:17,011[A  ]| And that's but dull that keeps the common road.
102:17,012[A  ]| We care not for that ~~ For here, sirs, nought you'll have
102:17,013[A  ]| But what is noble, sage, wise, solid, grave.
102:17,014[A  ]| Stern Cato a spectator might be here
102:17,015[A  ]| And modest virgins may unmasked appear.
102:17,016[A  ]| You've comedy in its most ancient dress
102:17,017[A  ]| As when of old, carted through villages.
102:17,018[A  ]| Here's then no place for the sparks and the blades of the times
102:17,019[A  ]| (Valuing themselves upon their garb, their crimes)
102:17,020[A  ]| Who scoff at us poor bumpkins, whose defence<20>
102:17,021[A  ]| Is our simplicity, our innocence.
102:17,022[A  ]| To please such fops (for mortally we hate 'em)
102:17,023[A  ]| We'll ne'er attempt. ~~ 
102:17,024[A  ]| In short, you've here the passions rudely dressed
102:17,025[A  ]| To act their parts, if Fear balks not the rest:
102:17,026[A  ]| Here's coy Love, flattering Hope, cold Desperation,
102:17,027[A  ]| Enlivening Joys, fawning Dissimulation,
102:17,028[A  ]| Pleasing Revenge, easy Credulity,
102:17,029[A  ]| Fondness, Moroseness, Rage, and Cruelty
102:17,030[A  ]| Charmed into Pity. Here are Love's fatigues,<30>
102:17,031[A  ]| Its toils, and lover's wit, counsels, intrigues.
102:17,032[A  ]| And if all this won't take, stop here ~~ for not
102:17,033[A  ]| (As I'm a sinner) one word of the plot.
102:17,034[A  ]| For, since 'tis at your choice to clap or hiss,
102:17,035[A  ]| Expect the rest; if well, we do in this
102:17,036[A  ]| Your patience crave, pardon in what's amiss.
102:18,000[A  ]| <Epilogue (b)>
102:18,001[A  ]| Gallants! The stage is cleared and I am come
102:18,002[A  ]| To hear the actors' kind or fatal doom.
102:18,003[A  ]| Poor wretches! They, amused with anxious fears
102:18,004[A  ]| Are fled, jealous they've forfeited their ears,
102:18,005[A  ]| Though to be tried by you more than their peers.
102:18,006[A  ]| Yet why should they a partial trial fear
102:18,007[A  ]| Where you, fair ladies, influence the bar?
102:18,008[A  ]| Where full of pity, as of state, you sit,
102:18,009[A  ]| There needs no ignoramus to acquit.
102:18,010[A  ]| Do like your selves! Stem the moroser guise!<10>
102:18,011[A  ]| Cramp snarling critics and control the wise!
102:18,012[A  ]| These all strike sail to you ~~ and are all blessed
102:18,013[A  ]| Who in such harbour can securely rest.
102:18,014[A  ]| You'll say the play's unmodish because old:
102:18,015[A  ]| Alas! you'll all be so ~~ good tales are oft ill told.
102:18,016[A  ]| This seems to be our case. But, ladies, then
102:18,017[A  ]| Most of you know, such striplings are not men,
102:18,018[A  ]| And though your kindness call it or farce or play,
102:18,019[A  ]| In truth 'tis neither but a rude essay.
102:18,020[A  ]| Faith! then be kind, I do protest you'd need<20>
102:18,021[A  ]| Accept this first time the good will for the deed.
102:18,022[A  ]| This boon I only beg, grant this and then
102:18,023[A  ]| We hope to tempt you hither once again.
102:18,024[A  ]| Meantime, with parting thanks clown-like we treat ye
102:18,025[A  ]| And in our homebred phrase can only say to ye
102:18,026[A  ]| After an ill meal ~~ Friends! much good may it do to ye.
102:19,000[A  ]| <Fatal Love: or, The Forced Inconstancy (1680?)>
102:19,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:19,001[A  ]| Gallants, I come to take my last adieu,
102:19,002[A  ]| Bidding farewell to both the world and you.
102:19,003[A  ]| A nunnery! Oh 'tis a popish place!
102:19,004[A  ]| Never poor virgin, sure, had my sad case.
102:19,005[A  ]| Has not our author used me very ill?
102:19,006[A  ]| He makes me die a maid against my will.
102:19,007[A  ]| And yet the godly fool should be forgiven:
102:19,008[A  ]| Alas! He meant it for the way to heaven.
102:19,009[A  ]| Yet from your presence, and your love debarred,
102:19,010[A  ]| Gallants, indeed, it is a little hard.<10>
102:19,011[A  ]| When first on cloister ground my feet I set,
102:19,012[A  ]| Never poor girl was put in such a sweat:
102:19,013[A  ]| All on a sudden, from his cell there ran
102:19,014[A  ]| A hideous, terrible, rough-bearded man;
102:19,015[A  ]| Cried, My dear daughter, and then clasped me fast
102:19,016[A  ]| Like hangman, with a halter round his waist.
102:19,017[A  ]| But walking farther on this sacred ground
102:19,018[A  ]| The shifted scene more pleasant grew; I found
102:19,019[A  ]| An aged, reverend matron compassed round
102:19,020[A  ]| With a fair train of nymphs; to her they all<20>
102:19,021[A  ]| Paid homage and their Mother Abbess call.
102:19,022[A  ]| Their mother! Blessing on your heart, said I,
102:19,023[A  ]| I never saw so fair a progeny.
102:19,024[A  ]| But, Are these pretty ladies all your own?
102:19,025[A  ]| To which she answered in an angry tone:
102:19,026[A  ]| Let me no more these idle bugwords hear.
102:19,027[A  ]| Fie, foolish girl, we are all virgins here!
102:19,028[A  ]| Virgins! Oh heaven! What will become of me?
102:19,029[A  ]| Must I then live that dismal day to see,
102:19,030[A  ]| Be such another stale old maid as she?<30>
102:19,031[A  ]| Well! Had the virgins of both theatres
102:19,032[A  ]| Begun their early penance at my years,
102:19,033[A  ]| What numerous intrigues had then been crossed,
102:19,034[A  ]| Lord, what a world of keeping fops we'd lost!
102:20,000[A  ]| <The Heir of Morocco: with the Death of Gayland (1682)>
102:20,000[A  ]| <Prologue>
102:20,001[A  ]| How finely would the sparks be catched today
102:20,002[A  ]| Should a Whig poet write a Tory play!
102:20,003[A  ]| And you, possessed with rage before, should send
102:20,004[A  ]| Your random shot abroad, and maul a friend.
102:20,005[A  ]| For you, we find, too often hiss or clap
102:20,006[A  ]| (Just as you live, speak, think, and fight) by hap.
102:20,007[A  ]| And poets, we all know, can change, like you,
102:20,008[A  ]| And are alone to their own interest true;
102:20,009[A  ]| Can write against all sense, nay even their own:
102:20,010[A  ]| The vehicle, called pension, makes it down.<10>
102:20,011[A  ]| No fear of cudgels where there's hope of bread:
102:20,012[A  ]| A well-filled paunch forgets a broken head.
102:20,013[A  ]| But our dull fop on every side is damned:
102:20,014[A  ]| He has his play with love and honour crammed.
102:20,015[A  ]| Rot your old-fashioned hero in romance,
102:20,016[A  ]| Who in a lady's quarrel breaks a lance!
102:20,017[A  ]| Give us the modish feat of honour done
102:20,018[A  ]| With eighteen well-chewed bullets in one gun.
102:20,019[A  ]| Charged but with eighteen bullets? did I say ~~
102:20,020[A  ]| Damn it, if that won't do, we'll bring one day<20>
102:20,021[A  ]| Queen Bess's pocket pistol into play.
102:20,022[A  ]| Give us heroic worthies of renown
102:20,023[A  ]| With a revenging rival's mortal frown,
102:20,024[A  ]| Not by dividing oceans kept asunder;
102:20,025[A  ]| Whilst angry spark comes on, like Jove, with thunder,
102:20,026[A  ]| Gives out in Harlem Gazette blood and wounds
102:20,027[A  ]| In foreign fray to skulk on English ground,
102:20,028[A  ]| And scorning duels, a poor prize at sharps,
102:20,029[A  ]| He only fights for fame in counterscarps.
102:20,030[A  ]| Do not you follow his revenge and fury:<30>
102:20,031[A  ]| Be you those tender-hearted things, his jury.
102:20,032[A  ]| Give us Old Bailey mercy for our play ~~
102:20,033[A  ]| Ah no! No prayers nor bribes your hearts can sway,
102:20,034[A  ]| Your cruel talents lie the other way.
102:20,035[A  ]| Critics are Polish bullies, fire and lightning all,
102:20,036[A  ]| The blunderbuss goes off, and where you hit you maul.
102:21,000[A  ]| <Epilogue>
102:21,001[A  ]| Ladies, the poet knew no better way
102:21,002[A  ]| Than to send me to prattle for his play.
102:21,003[A  ]| I am your Cupid, and you cannot sure
102:21,004[A  ]| Drive such a small, young beggar from your door.
102:21,005[A  ]| Do you be but as kind as you are fair,
102:21,006[A  ]| And by my quiver, bow and darts I swear
102:21,007[A  ]| The little tiny God whose help you want
102:21,008[A  ]| Shall hear your prayers and all your wishes grant:
102:21,009[A  ]| The country lady shall come up to town
102:21,010[A  ]| And shine in her old coach and her new gown;<10>
102:21,011[A  ]| The city wife shall leave her poor Tom Farthing
102:21,012[A  ]| And take a harmless walk to Covent Garden;
102:21,013[A  ]| Those very eyes shall still look young and gay
102:21,014[A  ]| That conquered on the coronation day.
102:21,015[A  ]| And you the brighter beauties of the court,
102:21,016[A  ]| You who the world undo, but stage support,
102:21,017[A  ]| You shall subdue all hearts, while I sit still:
102:21,018[A  ]| I'll break my bow and leave your eyes to kill.
102:21,019[A  ]| Nay the court star, your beauties to advance
102:21,020[A  ]| Has left her darling sphere to set in France.<20>