Part 100 (1/2)

PAM. Oh, Parmeno, You can't conceive the good you've done to-day; From what distress you have deliver'd me.

PAR. Ah, but I know, and did it with design.

PAM. Oh, I'm convinced of that. (_Ironically._)

PAR. Did Parmeno Ever let slip an opportunity Of doing what he ought, Sir?

PAM. Parmeno, In after me!

PAR. I follow.--By my troth, I've done more good to-day, without design, Than ever with design in all my life.---- Clap your hands!

PHORMIO.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

PROLOGUE.

DEMIPHO.

CHREMES.

ANTIPHO.

PHaeDRIA.

CRATINUS.

CRITO.

HEGIO.

PHORMIO.

DORIO.

GETA.

DAVUS, _and other Servants._

NAUSISTRATA.

SOPHRONA.

SCENE, ATHENS.

PROLOGUE.

The Old Bard finding it impossible To draw our Poet from the love of verse, And bury him in indolence, attempts By calumny to scare him from the stage; Pretending that in all his former plays The characters are low, and mean the style; Because he ne'er describ'd a mad-brain'd youth, Who in his fits of frenzy thought he saw A hind, the dogs in full cry after her; Her too imploring and beseeching him To give her aid.--But did he understand That, when the piece was first produc'd, it ow'd More to the actor than himself its safety, He would not be thus bold to give offense.

--But if there's any one who says, or thinks, ”That had not the Old Bard a.s.sail'd him first, Our Poet could not have devis'd a Prologue, Having no matter for abuse;”--let such Receive for answer, ”that although the prize To all advent'rers is held out in common, The Veteran Poet meant to drive our Bard From study into want: _He_ therefore chose To answer, though he would not first offend.

And had his adversary but have prov'd A generous rival, he had had due praise; Let him then bear these censures, and reflect Of his own slanders 'tis the due return.

But henceforth I shall cease to speak of him, Although he ceases not himself to rail.”