Another Prologue.

I come a pleader, in the shape of prologue: Let me then gain my cause, and now grown old. Experience the same favor as when young; Who then recover'd many a lost play, Breath'd a new life into the scenes, and sav'd The author and his writings from oblivion. Of those which first I studied of Cæcilius, In some I was excluded; and in some Hardly maintain'd my ground. But knowing well The variable fortunes of the scene, I was content to hazard certain toil For an uncertain gain. I undertook To rescue those same plays from condemnation, And labor'd to reverse your sentence on them; That the same Poet might afford me more, And no ill fortune damp young Genius in him. My cares prevail'd; the plays were heard; and thus Did I restore an Author, nearly lost Through the malevolence of adversaries, To study, labor, and the Poet's art. But had I at that time despis'd his plays, Or labor'd to deter him from the task, It had been easy to have kept him idle, And to have scar'd him from attempting more: For my sake, therefore, deign to hear with candor The suit I mean to offer to you now.

Once more I bring the Step-Mother before you, Which yet in silence I might never play; So did confusion crush it: which confusion Your prudence may allay, if it will deign To second our endeavors. - When I first Began to play this piece, the sturdy Boxers, (The dancers on the rope expected too,) Th' increasing crowds, the noise and women's clamor, Oblig'd me to retire before my time. I, upon this occasion, had recourse To my old way. I brought it on again. In the first act I please: meanwhile there spreads A rumor of the Gladiators: then The people flock together, riot, roar, And fight for places. I meanwhile my place Could not maintain - To-day there's no disturbance; All's silence and attention; a clear stage: 'Tis yours to give these games their proper grace. Let not, oh let not the Dramatic Art Fall to a few! let your authority Assist and second mine! if I for gain Ne'er overrated my abilities, If I have made it still my only care To be obedient to your will, oh grant That he who hath committed his performance To my defense, and who hath thrown himself On your protection, be not giv'n to scorn, And foul derision of his envious foes!

Admit this plea for my sake, and be silent; That other Poets may not fear to write, That I too may hereafter find it meet To play new pieces bought at my expense.