Volume Ix Part 65 (2/2)

”'Pathomachia' was not printed until 1630, and most likely was not written until some years after 'Lingua,' from the allusion it contains in act ii. to the stile of the stage, and the mention in act i. of Coriat, the traveller, who did not become notorious until after the publication of his 'Crudities' in 1611....

”The first edition of 'Lingua' is dated 1607, but from a pa.s.sage in act iv. sc. 7, it is evident that it was produced before the death of Elizabeth. The last edition, in 1657, is rendered curious by the circ.u.mstance that the bookseller, Simon Miller, a.s.serts that it was acted by Oliver Cromwell, the late usurper. This fact is not stated on the t.i.tle-page to the play, but in a list of works printed for the same stationer, placed at the end of Heath's 'New Book of Loyal Martyrs'

[12mo, 1663][166].... Winstanley adds that the late usurper Cromwell [when a young man] had therein the part of _Tactus_; and this mock ambition for the Crown is said to have swollen his ambition so high, that afterwards he contended for it in earnest....”

The present text is taken from the 4to of 1607.]

PROLOGUE

Our Muse describes no lover's pa.s.sion, No wretched father, no unthrifty son!

No craving, subtle wh.o.r.e or shameless bawd, Nor stubborn clown or daring parasite, No lying servant or bold sycophant.

We are not wanton or satirical.

These have their time and places fit, but we Sad hours and serious studies to reprieve, Have taught severe Philosophy to smile, The Senses' rash contentions we compose, And give displeas'd ambitious Tongue her due: Here's all; judicious friends, accept what is not ill.

Who are not such, let them do what they will.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

LINGUA, _Comoedus. Tragoedus_.

AUDITUS, _Comoedus. Tragoedus_.

MENDACIO, _Lingua's page_.

TACTUS,

_Odor_.

OLFACTUS,

_Tobacco_.

VISUS,

_Lumen_,

_Coelum_,

_Terra_,

_Heraldry_,

_Colour_.

GUSTUS; _Bacchus, Ceres, Beer_.

APPEt.i.tUS, _a parasite_.

PHANTASTES.

HEURESIS, _Phantastes's page_.

c.r.a.pULA, _Gustus's follower_.

COMMUNIS SENSUS.

<script>