Prologue.

The Bard perceiving his piece cavil'd at By partial critics, and his adversaries Misrepresenting what we're now to play, Pleads his own cause: and you shall be the judges, Whether he merits praise or condemnation.

The Synapothnescontes is a piece By Diphilus, a comedy which Plautus, Having translated, call'd Commorientes . In the beginning of the Grecian play There is a youth, who rends a girl perforce From a procurer: and this incident, Untouch'd by Plautus, render'd word for word, Has our bard interwoven with his Brothers; The new piece which we represent to-day. Say then if this be theft, or honest use Of what remain'd unoccupied. - For that Which malice tells, that certain noble persons Assist the Bard, and write in concert with him; That which they deem a heavy slander, He Esteems his greatest praise: that he can please Those who please you, who all the people please; Those who in war, in peace, in counsel, ever Have render'd you the dearest services, And ever borne their faculties so meekly.

Expect not now the story of the play: Part the old men, who first appear, will open; Part will in act be shown. - Be favorable; And let your candor to the poet now Increase his future earnestness to write!