Part 67 (2/2)

c.l.i.t. One thing, father, still remains.

CHREM. What?

c.l.i.t. That you'd grant poor Syrus a full pardon For all that he hath done on my account.

CHREM. Be it so.-- (_To the Audience._) Farewell Sirs, and clap your hands!

THE BROTHERS.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

PROLOGUE.

DEMEA.

MICIO.

aeSCHINUS.

CTESIPHO.

HEGIO.

SANNIO.

GETA.

SYRUS.

GETA.

DROMO.

PARMENO, _other Servants, etc._

SOSTRATA.

CANTHARA.

MUSIC-GIRL, _and other Mutes._

SCENE, ATHENS.

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 n.o.ble persons a.s.sist 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!

<script>