it, that it was like a picture in which the strokes were not strong enough to appear at a distance. As it is not in the common way of writing, the approbation was at first doubtful, but has risen every time it has been acted, and has given an opportunity in several of its parts for as just and good action as ever I saw on the stage. The reader will consider that I speak here, not as the author, but as the patentee; which is, perhaps, the reason why I am not diffuse in the praises of the play, lest I should seem like a man who cries up his own wares only to draw in customers. RICHARD STEELE. PROLOGUE. In this grave age, when comedies are few, Like ancient actors in a mask conceal'd. If you should hiss, he swears he'll hiss as high, And, like a culprit, join the hue-and-cry. If cruel men are still averse to spare These scenes, they fly for refuge to the fair. |