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PROLOGUES AND EPILOGUES.

That as the Rhone its hafty way does make
(Not mingling waters) thro' Geneva's lake,
So having here the diff'rent ftyles in view,
You may compare the former with the new.
If we lefs rudely shall the knot untie,
Soften the rigour of the tragedy,

And yet preserve each person's character,
Then to the other this you may prefer.
'Tis left to you: the Boxes and the Pit
Are fov'reign judges of this fort of wit.
In other things the knowing artist may
Judge better than the people; but a play,
(Made for delight, and for no other use)
If you approve it not, has no excufe.

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III.

EPILOGUE

TO THE MAID'S TRAGEDY. SPOKEN BY THE KING,

Tae fierce Melantius was content, you fee,

HE

The King fhould live; be not more fierce than he :
Too long indulgent to fo rude a time,

When love was held fo capital a crime,
That a crown'd head could no compaflion find,
But dy'd because the killer had been kind;
Nor is't lefs ftrange fuch mighty wits as thofe
Should use a style in tragedy like profe.

5

Well-founding verse, where princes tread the stage,
Should speak their virtue, or describe their rage. 10
By the loud trumpet, which our courage aids,
We learn that found, as well as sense, perfuades:
And verses are the potent charms we use,
Heroick thoughts and virtue to infuse.
When next we act this tragedy again,
Unless you like the change, we shall be flain.
The innocent Afpafia's life or death,
Amintor's too, depends upon your breath.
Excefs of love was heretofore the caufe;
Now if we die 't is want of your applause.

IV.

EPILOGUE

TO THE MAID'S TRAGEDY.

15

20

Defigned upon the firft alteration of the play, when the King only was left alive.

ASPASIA bleeding on the stage does lie,

To fhew you ftill 't is the Maid's Tragedy.
The fierce Melantius was content, you fee,

The King fhould live: be not more fierce than he :

Too long indulgent to fo rude a time,

When love was held fo capital a crime,

That a crown'd head could no compaffion find,
But dy'd

because the killer had been kind!

5

This better-natur'd Poet had repriev'd
Gentle Amintor too, had he believ'd
The fairer fex his pardon could approve,
Who to ambition facrific'd his love.
Afpafia he has spar'd; but for her wound
(Neglected love!) there could no falve be found.
When next we act this tragedy again,
Unless you like the change, I must be slain.
Excefs of love was heretofore the caufe;
Now if I die 't is want of your applause.

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Well-founding verse, where princes tread the stage,`
Should speak their virtue, or describe their rage. 10
By the loud trumpet, which our courage aids,
We learn that found, as well as fense, perfuades:
And verfes are the potent charms we use,
Heroick thoughts and virtue to infuse.
When next we act this tragedy again,
Unless you like the change, we shall be flain.
The innocent Afpafia's life or death,
Amintor's
's too, depends upon your breath.
Excefs of love was heretofore the cause;
Now if we die 't is want of your applause.

IV.

EPILOGUE

TO THE MAID'S TRAGEDY.

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20

Defigned upon the firft alteration of the play, when the King only was left alive.

ASPASIA bleeding on the stage does lie,

To fhew you fill 't is the Maid's Tragedy.
The fierce Melantius was content, you fee,

The King fhould live: be not more fierce than he :

Too long indulgent to so rude a time,

When love was held fo capital a crime,

That a crown'd head could no compaffion find,
But dy'd

because the killer had been kind!

5

This better-natur'd Poet had repriev'd
Gentle Amintor too, had he believ'd
The fairer fex his pardon could approve,
Who to ambition facrific'd his love.
Afpafia he has spar'd; but for her wound
(Neglected love!) there could no falve be found.
When next we act this tragedy again,
Unless you like the change, I must be slain.
Excefs of love was heretofore the caufe;
Now if I die 't is want of your applaufc.

ΙΟ

15

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