Volume Iv Part 99 (1/2)

Here, Sir, if the Play had been my own, I should have complain'd that the Town had its favourite Fools, as well as favourite Wits, and that Comedy or Farce from any other hand wou'd no more go down with them, than their favourites will with true Judges that read, not see 'em.

I should have had indignation enough, perhaps, to've rail'd at the Criticks of all Degrees, and Denominations of Box and Pit, nay, Galleries too, and told 'em that they were so conceited of their own Wit, that they cou'd take no pleasure in hearing that of another, or that Wit in a Play seeming to affront the Parts of the Audience, they suffer'd their Resentment to destroy their Satisfaction. This, and a great many other Satyrical Reflections, which are natural for a Disappointed Poet to make, I shou'd then have vented; but being satisfy'd, that the Reputation of Mrs. BEHN is not affected by the malicious Endeavours of some of my Enemies, I now present it under your Patronage, Sir, to the more competent Judges; Proud of the Opportunity of Offering you an occasion of so agreeable a Province, as the Protection of the unfortunate, and letting the World know how much I am, Sir,

Your Humble Servant,

_CH. GILDON._

THE YOUNGER BROTHER;

or, The Amorous Jilt.

PROLOGUE,

By an unknown Hand.

Spoke by Mr. _Powell_.

As Rivals of each other jealous prove, And both strive which shall gain the Lady's Love, So we for your Affections daily vie: Not an Intriguer in the Gallery (Who squeezes hand of _Phillis_ mask'd, that stood Ogling for Sale, in Velvet Scarf and Hood) Can with more Pa.s.sion his dear Nymph pursue, Than we to make Diversion fit for you.

Grant we may please, and we've our utmost Aim, 'Tis to your Favour only we lay claim.

In what can we oblige? Cou'd we present you With Mistress young, and safe, it wou'd content you; Then Husbands, weary'd out with Spouse alone, And hen-peck'd Keepers that drudge on with one, I fancy hither wou'd in Crouds resort, As thick as Men for Offices to Court: Who'd stay behind? the Beau above Threescore, Wou'd hobble on, and gape for one bit more; Men of all Stations, from the n.o.bles, down To grave Sir _Roger_ in his Cap and Gown, Wou'd hither come. But we some time must take, E'er we a Project of such moment make; Since that's laid by, for your Diversion then, We do invite the Brothers of the Pen; The Courtier, Lawyer, Soldier, Player too, Wit n'er had more Encouragement than now; Though free, or Aliens to our Stage, we take 'em, Not kick 'em out, but native Subjects make 'em.

The Ladies too are always welcome here, Let 'em in Writing or in Box appear.

To that fair s.e.x we are oblig'd to day, Oh! then be kind to a poor Orphan-Play, Whose Parent while she liv'd oblig'd you all; You prais'd her living, and you mourn'd her Fall.

Who cou'd, like her, our softer Pa.s.sions move, The Life of Humour, and the Soul of Love?

Wit's eldest Sister; thro-out every Line, You might perceive some Female Graces s.h.i.+ne.

For poor _Astrea's_ Infant we implore, Let it then live, though she is now no more.

DRAMATIS PERSONae.

MEN.

Prince _Frederick_, Mr. _Verbruggen_.

Sir _Rowland Marteen_, Mr. _Johnson_.

_George Marteen_, Mr. _Powell_.

Mr. _Welborn_, Mr. _Horden_.

Sir _Merlin Marteen_, Mr. _Pinkethman_.

Sir _Morgan Blunder_, Mr. _Bullock_.

Mr. _Tw.a.n.g_, Mr. _Smeaton_.

_Britton_, Mr. _Kent_.

_Philip_.