publication_n of_o this_o our_o command_n be_v make_v by_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n through_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o their_o several_a diocese_n respective_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n or_o by_o this_o declaration_n ch._n i._o make_v the_o bishop_n trumpeter_n to_o the_o stage_n and_o king_n james_n two_o say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o be_v trumpeter_n of_o rebellion_n because_o they_o petition_v against_o read_v the_o declaration_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n this_o declaration_n for_o sport_n be_v read_v by_o most_o of_o they_o and_o such_o of_o the_o minister_n as_o will_v not_o conform_v be_v turn_v out_o till_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o ensue_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o thus_o i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n patronise_v the_o stage_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o charles_n i._o and_o by_o the_o book_n call_v century_n of_o scandalous_a minister_n we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o for_o frequent_v the_o stage_n in_o the_o parliament_n time_n and_o the_o theatre_n be_v then_o overturn_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reform_v of_o manner_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o libertinism_n which_o usual_o accompany_v war_n one_o may_v have_v walk_v through_o the_o city_n and_o suburb_n without_o hear_v a_o oath_n but_o when_o king_n charles_n ii_o be_v restore_v the_o playhouse_n be_v speedy_o re-opened_n and_o without_o any_o public_a check_n or_o control_v from_o the_o church_n go_v on_o to_o that_o height_n of_o immorality_n which_o mr._n c._n complain_v of_o nay_o they_o be_v think_v very_a subservient_fw-fr to_o support_v the_o church_n by_o jerk_v at_o the_o whig_n and_o dissenter_n in_o their_o prologue_n and_o play_n and_o to_o infuse_v â—rightful_a idea_n of_o they_o into_o the_o head_n of_o the_o spectator_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o run_v down_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o popish_a plot_n vindicate_v the_o traitor_n that_o have_v be_v execute_v for_o it_o and_o dress_v the_o true_a patriot_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o skin_n of_o beast_n of_o prey_n that_o they_o may_v be_v devour_v with_o the_o better_a appetite_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o cram_v a_o volume_n with_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n but_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a there_o be_v no_o body_n who_o frequent_v the_o playhouse_n or_o read_v the_o play_n in_o the_o two_o last_o reign_n but_o know_v that_o the_o stage_n be_v attemper_v to_o the_o lascivious_a and_o arbitrary_a â—umoeâ—s_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o to_o blacken_v all_o those_o that_o oppose_v their_o tyrannical_a design_n have_v thus_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n have_v â—avoured_v the_o stage_n by_o their_o not_o warn_v the_o people_n against_o it_o by_o seem_v to_o hallow_v the_o phrase_n of_o it_o in_o their_o pulpit_n by_o approve_v or_o at_o least_o connive_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n in_o king_n charles_n i._o by_o prosecute_a those_o who_o write_v against_o it_o write_v play_n themselves_o by_o some_o of_o they_o practise_v it_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o by_o enjoin_v the_o book_n of_o sport_n by_o not_o oppose_v it_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o charles_n ii_o and_o james_n ii_o and_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v by_o their_o not_o oppose_v it_o in_o this_o reign_n when_o they_o may_v have_v hope_n of_o better_a success_n see_v both_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v declare_v themselves_o so_o high_o against_o immorality_n and_o profaneness_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o far_o the_o school_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o crime_n cap._n iu._n the_o stage_n encourage_v by_o the_o school_n this_o subject_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o â—reated_v on_o as_o the_o former_a and_o by_o consequence_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o have_v not_o â—een_n so_o much_o perceive_v yet_o it_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o overlooked_a for_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o 8._o clemens_n romanus_n 1063._o nazianzen_n 1â—_n tertullian_n 1._o ambrose_n daâ—as_fw-la jerom_n 15._o lactantius_n 8._o augustine_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n 16._o and_o divers_a other_o council_n bishop_n babington_n bishop_n hooper_n perkins_n doâ—nham_n williams_n and_o all_o other_o commentator_n on_o the_o seven_o commandment_n have_v condemn_v and_o forbid_v the_o write_n print_v sell_v or_o teach_v any_o amorous_a wanton_a playbook_n history_n or_o heathen_a author_n especial_o ovid_n wanton_a epistle_n and_o book_n of_o love_n catullus_n tibâ—â—lus_n propertius_n martial_n plautus_n and_o terenâ—â—_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o maâ—â—gin_n the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d youth_n be_v give_v we_o by_o osorius_n 120._o thus_o 〈◊〉_d poet_n be_v obscene_a petulant_a effeminate_a and_o 〈◊〉_d their_o lascivious_a and_o impure_a verse_n divert_v thâ—_n mind_n from_o shamfastness_n and_o industry_n to_o lust_n anâ—_n sloth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o smooth_a they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d much_o the_o more_o noxious_a and_o like_v so_o manâ—_n siren_n ruin_n all_o those_o that_o give_v ear_n to_o they_o the_o more_o ingenious_o any_o of_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d amorous_a subject_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o moâ—â—_n criminal_a for_o we_o willing_o read_v and_o easy_o learn_v by_o heart_n a_o fine_a and_o elegant_a poem_n anâ—_n therefore_o the_o poison_n of_o lascivious_a verse_n makâ—â—_n a_o quick_a and_o speedy_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o smoothness_n and_o elegancy_n of_o thâ—_n language_n kill_v before_o a_o antidote_n can_v be_v aâ—â—plied_v therefore_o all_o such_o poet_n ought_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d be_v banish_v the_o câ—urt_n but_o also_o the_o country_n nay_o aeneas_n silvius_n afterward_o pope_n pius_n 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o treatise_n of_o education_n dedicate_v to_o ladislâ—â—â—_n king_n of_o hungary_n and_o bohemia_n discourse_v whâ—â—_n author_n and_o poet_n be_v to_o be_v read_v to_o child_n resolve_v it_o thus_o ovid_n write_v many_o time_n in_o a_o melancholy_a strain_n and_o as_o often_o sweet_o but_o be_v in_o moâ—â—_n place_n too_o lascivious_a horace_n though_o a_o author_n of_o admirable_a eloquence_n yet_o have_v manâ—_n thing_n i_o will_v neither_o have_v read_v nor_o expouâ—â—ded_v to_o you_o martial_n be_v a_o pernicious_a though_o floriâ—_n and_o ornat_fw-la poet_n but_o so_o full_a of_o prickle_n that_o hiâ—_n rose_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v without_o dangeâ—_n those_o who_o write_v elegy_n be_v altogether_o to_o 〈◊〉_d keep_v up_o from_o the_o boy_n for_o they_o be_v too_o sofâ—_n and_o effeminate_n tibullus_n propertius_n catulliâ—â—_n and_o sapph_n which_o we_o have_v now_o translate_v abound_v with_o amorous_a subject_n and_o be_v full_a of_o complaint_n of_o unfortunate_a amour_n your_o preceptor_n ought_v to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o whilst_o he_o read_v the_o comical_a and_o tragical_a poet_n to_o you_o he_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o instruct_v you_o in_o something_o that_o be_v vicious_a it_o be_v still_o more_o remarkable_a that_o ignatius_n loyola_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o jesuit_n who_o be_v as_o little_a recommendable_a to_o the_o world_n for_o their_o chastity_n as_o for_o their_o other_o virtue_n forbid_v the_o read_n of_o terence_n in_o school_n to_o child_n and_o youth_n before_o his_o obscenity_n be_v expunge_v lest_o he_o shall_v more_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n by_o his_o wantonness_n than_o help_v their_o wit_n by_o his_o 8._o latin_n the_o jew_n a_o people_n note_v enough_o for_o their_o uncleanness_n yet_o do_v not_o permit_v their_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o ancient_a time_n to_o read_v the_o canticle_n till_o they_o arrive_v at_o 30_o year_n of_o age_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v draw_v those_o spiritual_a passage_n of_o the_o love_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o a_o carnal_a sense_n and_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o inflame_a their_o own_o lust_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n origen_n advise_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o amorous_a temper_n to_o forbear_v read_v it_o ezech._n how_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o lascivious_a heathen_a poet_n and_o play_n see_v it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v true_a by_o experience_n as_o agrippa_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o uncleanness_n have_v excellent_o express_v it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o powerful_a engine_n to_o attaque_fw-la and_o vanquish_v the_o chastity_n of_o any_o matron_n girl_n or_o widow_n or_o of_o any_o male_a or_o female_a whatever_n than_o the_o read_n of_o lascivious_a
answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o augustus_n former_o mention_v in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o he_o have_v be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o make_v his_o enemy_n stoop_v and_o be_v he_o not_o able_a now_o to_o banish_v jester_n and_o fool_n his_o next_o insinuation_n that_o it_o divert_v the_o jacobite_n and_o prevent_v their_o plot_n and_o conventicle_n be_v equal_o absurd_a let_v he_o but_o cast_v a_o eye_n up_o to_o westminster-hall_n or_o the_o city_n gate_n and_o there_o the_o head_n and_o limb_n of_o charnock_n perkins_n and_o friend_n etc._n etc._n will_v tell_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o he_o be_v mistake_v his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n from_o authority_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o as_o have_v say_v enough_o on_o that_o head_n already_o in_o answer_n to_o other_o and_o as_o for_o his_o pretence_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n to_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o stage_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o further_a proof_n of_o his_o vanity_n and_o intolerable_a confidence_n see_v father_n council_n and_o the_o best_a of_o divine_n in_o all_o age_n have_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o argument_n that_o i_o have_v quote_v already_o i_o refer_v he_o and_o so_o bid_v he_o farewell_o if_o he_o think_v that_o i_o have_v not_o use_v he_o with_o that_o smoothness_n that_o he_o may_v have_v expect_v let_v he_o remember_v how_o he_o treat_v the_o whole_a nation_n as_o splenetic_a rebel_n the_o parliament_n of_o england_n in_o 1641._o as_o traitor_n and_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o those_o time_n as_o blockhead_n and_o hypocrite_n cap._n xx._n the_o stage_n encourage_v by_o the_o university_n i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n give_v to_o the_o stage_n by_o our_o university_n which_o may_v also_o bear_v date_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n charles_n i._o for_o before_o that_o time_n i_o find_v both_o of_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o against_o the_o theatre_n dr._n reynolds_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o overthrow_n of_o stage-play_n etc._n affirm_v that_o the_o best_a and_o grave_a divine_n in_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n condemn_a stage-play_n by_o a_o express_a statute_n in_o a_o full_a convocation_n of_o the_o whole_a university_n in_o 1584._o whereby_o the_o use_n of_o all_o common-plays_a be_v express_o prohibit_v in_o the_o university_n lest_o the_o young_a sort_n who_o be_v prone_a to_o imitate_v all_o kind_n of_o vice_n be_v spectator_n of_o so_o many_o lewd_a and_o evil_a sport_n as_o in_o they_o be_v practise_v shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o and_o mr._n prin_fw-mi inform_v we_o 490._o that_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n enact_v the_o like_a that_o no_o common_a actor_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o play_v within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o university_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v deprave_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scholar_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o university_n approve_v of_o private_a stage-play_n act_v by_o scholar_n in_o private_a college_n dr._n reynolds_n answer_v in_o the_o book_n abovementioned_a that_o though_o they_o connive_v at_o they_o yet_o they_o give_v no_o public_a approbation_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o all_o college_n but_o only_o practise_v in_o some_o private_a house_n perchance_o once_o in_o three_o or_o four_o year_n and_o that_o by_o the_o particular_a statute_n of_o those_o house_n make_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n which_o require_v some_o latin_a comedy_n for_o learning_n sake_n only_o to_o be_v act_v now_o and_o then_o and_o those_o play_n too_o be_v for_o tâ—e_v most_o part_n compose_v by_o idle_a person_n who_o dâ—â—_n not_o affect_v better_a study_n and_o they_o be_v act_v 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o prefer_v vainglory_n ostentation_n and_o strut_a on_o the_o stage_n before_o learning_n â—_o by_o such_o who_o be_v send_v to_o the_o university_n not_o so_o much_o to_o obtain_v knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v tâ—â—m_n from_o the_o common_a riotous_a way_n of_o live_v â—s_a parent_n send_v little_a child_n to_o school_n to_o keeâ—_n they_o out_o of_o harm_n way_n and_o their_o spectator_n â—_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o the_o rave_a better_a and_o more_o studious_a person_n especial_o divine_v condemn_v they_o censure_v they_o and_o come_v not_o at_o they_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o our_o university_n former_o condemn_v the_o stage_n and_o that_o they_o come_v afterward_o to_o countenance_v they_o must_v without_o doubt_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o k._n charles_n i._n and_o a._n bishop_n laud_n for_o i_o find_v on_o aug._n the_o 30_o 1636._o the_o student_n of_o christ-church_n in_o oxford_n present_v a_o tragi-comedy_n call_v the_o royal_a slave_n to_o the_o k._n and_o queen_n which_o be_v afterward_o present_v again_o to_o their_o majesty_n at_o hampton-court_n and_o the_o 2d_o edition_n print_v at_o oxford_n by_o william_n turner_n in_o 1640._o the_o gentleman_n of_o trinity-college_n in_o cambridge_n do_v before_o that_o viz._n in_o 1634._o present_v a_o comedy_n to_o the_o king_n call_v albumazar_n print_v at_o london_n by_o nicholas_n okes_n upon_o both_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o remark_n and_o first_o upon_o albumazar_n remark_n upon_o the_o university_n play_v before_o king_n charles_n i._n the_o poet_n value_v himself_o in_o the_o prologue_n upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o audience_n but_o chief_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o lady_n who_o beauty_n he_o say_v make_v the_o whole_a assembly_n glad_a whether_o the_o play_n be_v altogether_o so_o pure_a and_o chaste_a as_o become_v his_o majesty_n presence_n the_o gravity_n of_o the_o university_n and_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o lady_n we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o this_o very_a hint_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lady_n cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o assembly_n will_v fall_v under_o our_o saviour_n reproof_n of_o not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o and_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n for_o which_o st._n chrysostom_n declaim_v against_o play_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v already_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v reconcileable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v set_v a_o bar_n upon_o our_o very_a look_n for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o haunt_v playhouse_n in_o order_n to_o ogle_v one_o another_o as_o the_o stage-poet_n themselves_o now_o express_v it_o then_o for_o the_o play_n itself_o the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o albumazar_n harpax_n and_o ronca_n where_o they_o applaud_v theft_n and_o robbery_n as_o that_o which_o make_v the_o spartan_n valiant_a and_o arabia_n happy_a and_o charge_v it_o on_o all_o trade_n and_o calling_n though_o guilt_n with_o the_o smooth_a title_n of_o merchant_n lawyer_n or_o the_o like_a can_v have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o teach_v moral_a honesty_n whether_o it_o may_v have_v any_o design_n to_o justify_v the_o after_o practice_n of_o levy_v money_n without_o consent_n of_o parliament_n exâ—orting_v loan_n money_n from_o merchant_n and_o tradesman_n as_o be_v only_o a_o better_a sort_n of_o thief_n or_o to_o justify_v plunder_v the_o country_n as_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n say_v be_v very_o usual_a among_o the_o king_n soldier_n afterward_o i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o fable_n seem_v to_o carry_v some_o such_o moral_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o university_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n among_o libertine_n so_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o least_o innuendo_fw-la though_o never_o so_o much_o wrest_v albumazar_n insist_v upon_o great_a necessity_n as_o the_o cardinal_n virtue_n and_o it_o be_v print_v too_o in_o italic_a will_v seem_v to_o strengthen_v the_o conjecture_n especial_o see_v he_o go_v on_o to_o represent_v all_o mankind_n as_o thief_n and_o that_o the_o very_a member_n of_o man_n body_n be_v frame_v by_o nature_n so_o as_o to_o steal_v from_o one_o another_o which_o be_v good_a enough_o authority_n for_o the_o head_n to_o steal_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o scene_n contain_v a_o discourse_n betwixt_o pandolfo_n a_o old_a fellow_n of_o 60_o in_o love_n with_o flavia_n a_o girl_n of_o 16_o and_o cricca_n his_o servant_n be_v far_o from_o be_v chast._n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o edification_n it_o can_v afford_v to_o the_o audience_n to_o hear_v a_o old_a man_n insist_v upon_o his_o vigour_n and_o fitness_n for_o a_o young_a girl_n and_o his_o servant_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n tell_v he_o that_o one_o night_n lodging_n will_v so_o much_o enfeeble_v he_o as_o flavia_n will_v make_v he_o a_o cuckold_n this_o seem_v more_o adapt_v to_o expose_v to_o laughter_n the_o dotage_n that_o old_a age_n be_v now_o and_o then_o subject_a to_o and_o to_o justify_v the_o disloyalty_n of_o a_o young_a wife_n so_o wed_v than_o to_o bewail_v or_o reprove_v such_o folly_n on_o both_o side_n
demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n yet_o this_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o have_v more_o humane_a learning_n than_o 20_o of_o our_o flutter_a doctor_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o cry_v down_o eloquence_n in_o a_o preacher_n nor_o to_o commend_v a_o rough_a way_n of_o expression_n from_o the_o pulpit_n eloquence_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v in_o the_o preacher_n apollo_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o teach_v diligent_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n 25._o it_o be_v reckon_v high_o profane_a and_o mr._n collier_n have_v smart_o reprove_v it_o for_o poet_n to_o apply_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o vice_n versa_fw-la it_o shall_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o same_o censure_n to_o adopt_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o stage_n for_o the_o language_n of_o the_o pulpit_n not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a for_o a_o preacheâ—_n to_o quote_v a_o apposite_a sentence_n or_o verse_n either_o from_o greek_a latin_a or_o other_o poet_n the_o apostle_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o tell_v the_o cretan_n that_o one_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o but_o it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a affectation_n of_o novelty_n when_o a_o new_a word_n or_o a_o acquaint_v phrase_n be_v no_o soon_o publish_v in_o a_o play_n or_o gazzette_n but_o we_o shall_v the_o next_o sunday_n after_o hear_v it_o out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_v he_o command_v he_o to_o avoid_v and_o which_o 20._o calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n say_z be_v inanis_fw-la tinnitus_fw-la &_o profanus_fw-la simulatque_fw-la doctores_fw-la it_o a_o inflant_fw-la svas_fw-la tibias_fw-la ad_fw-la svam_fw-la eloquentiam_fw-la venditandam_fw-la a_o profane_a and_o empty_a jingle_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v off_o their_o eloquence_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o quote_v as_o many_o sermon_n guilty_a of_o these_o vanity_n as_o mr._n collier_n have_v quote_v play_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v scripture_n but_o for_o obvious_a reason_n i_o forbear_v it_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o i_o mention_v it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o poet_n alone_o that_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o what_o be_v criminal_a in_o a_o poet_n be_v ten_o time_n worse_o in_o a_o priest_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v without_o a_o reproof_n it_o be_v know_v there_o be_v many_o godly_a person_n among_o our_o clergy_n who_o bewail_v those_o thing_n and_o oppose_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v but_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a neglect_v somewhere_o and_o the_o world_n will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o matter_n else_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o who_o shake_v king_n james_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n to_o overturn_v the_o stage_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n will_v deny_v the_o clergy_n such_o a_o request_n if_o it_o be_v due_o present_v and_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o nation_n have_v suffer_v in_o its_o moral_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o stage_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o some_o effectual_a course_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o suppress_v it_o but_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o faction_n begin_v by_o archbishop_n laud_n have_v still_o too_o great_a a_o interest_n among_o our_o clergy_n for_o scarce_o can_v any_o other_o reason_n be_v imagine_v why_o after_o so_o many_o year_n experience_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o stage_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o this_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v because_o of_o the_o deference_n many_o of_o the_o clergy_n man_n pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o prelate_n and_o of_o his_o master_n king_n charles_n i._n who_o he_o help_v to_o mislead_v in_o those_o time_n as_o mr._n prin_fw-mi acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o histriomastix_n none_o be_v account_v enemy_n to_o the_o playhouse_n but_o puritan_n and_o precisian_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o it_o probable_o be_v that_o laud_n and_o his_o clergy_n become_v its_o patron_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlike_a that_o many_o of_o the_o less-thinking_a churchman_n continue_v still_o to_o favour_v it_o on_o that_o account_n as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o condemn_v that_o for_o which_o king_n charles_n i._n and_o archbishop_n laud_v testify_v so_o much_o passion_n but_o these_o gentleman_n will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n be_v never_o so_o much_o the_o characteristic_a of_o their_o church_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o passive_a obedience_n and_o see_v the_o majority_n of_o they_o have_v relinquish_v that_o they_o be_v infinite_o the_o more_o to_o blame_v for_o still_o adhere_v to_o this_o if_o a_o petition_n of_o the_o londoner_n have_v so_o much_o influence_n on_o queen_n elizabeth_n as_o to_o get_v the_o playhouse_n suppress_v and_o if_o the_o stage_n be_v express_o condemn_v by_o a_o statute_n of_o king_n james_n i._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o obtain_v the_o same_o now_o upon_o the_o like_a application_n and_o methinks_v the_o clergy_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o stir_v in_o it_o than_o ever_o see_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o mr._n collier_n three_o chapter_n of_o the_o clergy_n abuse_v by_o the_o stage_n that_o the_o theatre_n be_v now_o become_v a_o nusanoâ—_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o the_o clergy_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o the_o omit_v of_o what_o their_o character_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v against_o it_o and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v also_o culpable_a by_o seem_v to_o hallow_v its_o phrase_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o follow_v we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o stage_n be_v condemn_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o king_n james_n i._o time_n but_o revive_v again_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o k._n charles_n contrary_a to_o law_n and_o that_o operas_fw-la be_v practise_v in_o his_o own_o court_n by_o his_o royal_a authority_n on_o sunday_n now_o consider_v how_o much_o that_o prince_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o he_o will_v have_v atttempt_v any_o such_o thing_n have_v the_o then_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n give_v he_o faithful_a warning_n against_o it_o but_o laud_v and_o the_o other_o top_v churchman_n of_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v it_o that_o they_o concur_v with_o he_o &_o impose_v a_o book_n of_o sport_n and_o pastime_n upon_o all_o their_o clergy_n to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n on_o sunday_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n towards_o convert_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o playhouse_n this_o great_a example_n do_v so_o much_o encourage_v the_o stage_n that_o mr._n prin_fw-mi tell_v we_o in_o his_o book_n beforementioned_a in_o two_o year_n time_n there_o be_v above_o 40000_o playbook_n print_v they_o become_v more_o vendible_a than_o the_o choice_a sermon_n grow_v up_o from_o quarto_n to_o folio_n be_v print_v on_o far_o better_a paper_n than_o most_o of_o the_o octavo_fw-la or_o quarto_fw-la bibles_n and_o be_v more_o saleable_a than_o they_o and_o shackspeers_n play_v in_o particular_a be_v print_v in_o the_o bestâ—_n paper_n the_o two_o old_a playhouse_n be_v rebuilt_a and_o enlarge_v and_o a_o new_a theatre_n erect_v so_o that_o there_o be_v then_o six_o playhouse_n in_o london_n twice_o the_o number_n of_o those_o in_o rome_n in_o nero_n time_n which_o though_o a_o much_o more_o spacious_a city_n seneca_n complain_v of_o as_o be_v too_o many_o that_o faction_n of_o the_o clergy_n become_v at_o last_o so_o enamour_a of_o the_o stage_n that_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o 935._o he_o have_v hear_v some_o preacher_n call_v their_o text_n a_o landscape_a or_o picture_n and_o other_o a_o play_n or_o spectacle_n divide_v their_o text_n into_o actor_n spectator_n scene_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v a_o play_n upon_o which_o he_o complain_v of_o their_o use_v playhouse_n phrase_n clinch_n and_o strong_a line_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o to_o frequent_a to_o have_v sermon_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o division_n
story_n or_o poem_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o let_v their_o disposition_n be_v never_o so_o good_a but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v by_o this_o method_n and_o i_o shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o next_o akin_a to_o a_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virgin_n or_o matron_n so_o religious_o chaste_a as_o not_o to_o have_v their_o lust_n inflame_v almost_o to_o madness_n by_o read_v such_o kind_n of_o book_n and_o poem_n 64._o in_o this_o case_n even_o the_o heathen_a lecher_n ovid_n who_o be_v much_o more_o ingenuous_a than_o our_o pretend_a christian_a poet_n give_v judgement_n against_o his_o own_o amorous_a poem_n and_o those_o of_o tibullus_n etc._n etc._n eloquar_fw-la in_o vitus_fw-la teneros_fw-la ne_fw-la tange_fw-la poetas_fw-la summonâ—o_fw-la dotâ—s_fw-la impias_fw-la esse_fw-la meas_fw-la callimachum_fw-la â—ugito_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la inimicus_fw-la amori_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la callimacho_fw-la tu_fw-la quoque_fw-la coe_n noces_fw-fr carmina_fw-la quis_fw-la potuit_fw-la tuto_fw-la legisse_fw-la tibulli_fw-la well_fw-mi tita_fw-la cujus_fw-la opus_fw-la cynthia_n sola_fw-la suit_n quis_fw-la potuit_fw-la lecto_fw-la durus_fw-la discedere_fw-la gallo_n et_fw-la mea_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la carmina_fw-la tale_n sonant_fw-la de_fw-fr remedio_fw-la amoris_fw-la lib._n 3._o p._n 230._o it_o will_v appear_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a school_n that_o such_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o such_o school_n be_v to_o teach_v wisdom_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o may_v know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o how_o to_o worship_n god_n aright_o whereas_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v teach_v by_o those_o author_n homer_n hesiod_n pindar_n aristophanes_n virgil_n horace_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o heathen_a author_n arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o feign_v such_o lewd_a thing_n to_o be_v act_v by_o their_o god_n as_o a_o modest_a man_n can_v but_o be_v ashamed_a to_o rehearse_v before_o youth_n for_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o be_v such_o as_o no_o honest_a or_o well-governed_a commonwealth_n will_v have_v admit_v they_o for_o citizen_n so_o that_o palingenius_fw-la write_v true_o of_o they_o in_o câ—elo_fw-la est_fw-la meretrix_n in_o coelo_fw-la est_fw-la turpis_fw-la adulter_fw-la lib._n i._n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o heathen_a poet_n be_v influence_v by_o satan_n to_o feign_v such_o monstrous_a and_o horrid_a thing_n concern_v their_o deity_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o promote_v and_o authorize_v whoredom_n and_o uncleanness_n among_o man_n and_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o flame_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n certain_o those_o fable_n in_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n concern_v the_o amous_n nay_o rape_n of_o the_o god_n and_o other_o can_v leave_v any_o chaste_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n what_o a_o fulsome_a expression_n be_v that_o of_o virgil_n aneid_n 7._o mista_fw-la deo_fw-la mulier_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o teach_v such_o thing_n to_o youth_n be_v see_v by_o the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n and_o therefore_o plato_n say_v that_o those_o fabulous_a story_n of_o the_o poet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o city_n as_o if_o the_o god_n wage_v war_n and_o form_v ambush_n against_o one_o another_o etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n or_o not_o for_o child_n say_v he_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v speak_v figurative_o or_o otherwise_o and_o such_o opinion_n as_o they_o drink_v in_o when_o they_o be_v young_a they_o can_v hardly_o ever_o lie_v aside_o to_o feign_v that_o god_n who_o be_v altogether_o good_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o error_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v refute_v and_o therefore_o the_o poet_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o write_v and_o speak_v thing_n that_o be_v honest_a 2._o thaâ—_n same_o author_n say_v in_o theage_n i_o know_v not_o what_o any_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o than_o how_o to_o have_v his_o son_n make_v as_o good_a as_o possible_a and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v that_o care_n be_v take_v that_o nurse_n do_v entertain_v they_o with_o old_a wife_n fable_n lest_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o madness_n and_o folly_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n see_v those_o poor_a heathen_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o direct_v they_o coulâ—_n give_v such_o excellent_a precept_n what_o a_o shame_n 〈◊〉_d it_o for_o christian_a schoolmaster_n to_o spend_v more_o timâ—_n in_o teach_v their_o youth_n who_o jupiter_n vulcaâ—_n neptune_n and_o saturn_n be_v than_o who_o jesus_n chrisâ—_n be_v and_o to_o teach_v they_o those_o lascivious_a heatheâ—_n poâ—ts_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o seven_o command_n st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o conâ—ession_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d out_o oh_o that_o when_o i_o be_v a_o young_a man_n i_o haâ—â—_n be_v instruct_v in_o profitable_a book_n whilst_o i_o wâ—â—_n a_o youth_n at_o school_n i_o hear_v they_o talk_v of_o jupitâ—â—_n dart_v thunder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n at_o tâ—â—_n same_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o laâ—â—_n of_o god_n to_o their_o child_n diligent_o to_o talk_v 〈◊〉_d they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n when_o thâ—â—_n walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o anâ—_n when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o posâ—_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o â—_o the_o royal_a prophet_n david_n teach_v they_o thâ—_n young_a man_n be_v to_o purify_v their_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o goâ—_n psal._n 119._o 9_o and_o the_o wise_a king_n solomon_n coâ—â—manded_v child_n to_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n tâ—â—_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o woâ—â—_n not_o depart_v from_o it_o prov._n 22._o 6._o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d join_v that_o our_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6_o and_o command_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v profane_a and_o 〈◊〉_d wife_n fable_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 7._o the_o only_a objection_n of_o any_o weight_n that_o can_v 〈◊〉_d raise_v against_o this_o be_v that_o in_o those_o heathen_a poeâ—_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o excellent_a moral_a sentence_n and_o that_o youth_n learn_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o latiâ—â—_n tongue_n from_o they_o to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v answer_n that_o put_v they_o all_o together_o they_o come_v infiniteâ—_n short_a of_o those_o moral_a instruction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o ecclesiaste_n that_o its_o evident_a what_o moral_a say_n of_o worth_n any_o of_o those_o heathen_a author_n have_v they_o borrow_a they_o from_o moses_n and_o other_o of_o the_o divine_o inspire_a writer_n and_o we_o may_v with_o more_o safety_n and_o purity_n drink_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n than_o from_o their_o pollute_a stream_n and_o as_o for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o latin_a tongue_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v learn_v from_o other_o as_o from_o the_o poet_n the_o roman_a history_n be_v excellent_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o their_o poet_n be_v purge_v from_o their_o obscenity_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o youth_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o '_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v excellent_a latin_a poem_n by_o christian_a author_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o serviceable_a for_o instruct_v our_o youth_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o inspring_n they_o also_o with_o true_a christian_a sentiment_n such_o as_o the_o famous_a ancient_a poem_n of_o tertullian_n arator_fw-la apollinaris_n nazianzen_n prudentius_n prosper_n and_o other_o christian_a worthy_n and_o the_o late_a one_o of_o du_n bartas_n beza_n scaliger_n buchanan_n heinsius_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o reform_v of_o the_o school_n in_o this_o point_n have_v be_v so_o long_o neglect_v reflect_v shame_n upon_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v chief_o concern_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o be_v one_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o person_n of_o good_a part_n have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o too_o with_o more_o wantonness_n and_o latitude_n than_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n ever_o dare_v to_o allow_v themselves_o and_o the_o corruption_n have_v spread_v so_o far_o as_o to_o inâ—ect_v our_o university_n who_o though_o former_o they_o condemn_v the_o stage_n be_v now_o become_v its_o admirer_n and_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o nation_n obscene_a poem_n be_v write_v at_o their_o public_a acts._n cap._n v._n a_o answer_n to_o m._n motteux_n defence_n of_o the_o stage_n i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o authority_n
religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o bring_v vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n into_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n the_o poet_n that_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o seem_v deep_o concern_v in_o this_o conspiracy_n these_o be_v the_o champion_n that_o charge_v religion_n with_o such_o desperate_a resolution_n and_o have_v give_v it_o so_o many_o deep_a and_o ghastly_a wound_n the_o stage_n be_v a_o out-work_n or_o fort_n raise_v for_o the_o protection_n and_o security_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o poet_n that_o keep_v it_o have_v revolt_v and_o base_o betray_v it_o â—nd_v what_o be_v worse_o have_v turn_v all_o their_o force_n and_o discharge_v all_o their_o artillery_n against_o the_o place_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o defend_v if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o unjust_a charge_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o read_v any_o of_o our_o modern_a comedy_n and_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v the_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o â—ine_z gentleman_n in_o the_o comedy_n who_o as_o the_o chief_a person_n propose_v to_o the_o esteem_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o audience_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o wit_n the_o poet_n can_v bestow_v this_o extraordinary_a person_n you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v a_o derider_n of_o religion_n a_o greaâ—_n admirer_n of_o lucretius_n not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o learning_n as_o irreligion_n a_o person_n whole_o idle_a dissolve_v in_o luxury_n abandon_v to_o his_o pleasure_n â—_o great_a debaucher_n of_o woman_n profuse_a and_o extravagant_a in_o his_o expense_n and_o in_o short_a this_o furnish_a gentleman_n will_v appear_v a_o finish_v libertine_n the_o young_a lady_n that_o must_v support_v the_o character_n of_o a_o virtuous_a well-mannered_a sensible_a woman_n the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n that_o can_v be_v and_o the_o very_a flower_n of_o her_o sex_n this_o accomplish_v person_n entertain_v the_o audience_n with_o confident_a discourse_n immodest_a repartee_n and_o profane_a raillery_n she_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o intrigue_n and_o assignation_n a_o great_a scoffeâ—_n at_o the_o prudent_a reservedness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o best_a of_o her_o sex_n she_o despise_v the_o wise_a instruction_n of_o her_o parent_n or_o guardian_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o authority_n and_o at_o last_o without_o their_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n marry_v herself_o to_o the_o gentleman_n above_o mention_v and_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v but_o that_o our_o young_a lady_n and_o gentlewoman_n be_v admirable_o instruct_v by_o such_o pattern_n of_o sense_n and_o virtue_n if_o a_o clergyman_n be_v introduce_v as_o he_o often_o be_v it_o be_v seldom_o for_o any_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o abuse_v he_o to_o expose_v his_o very_a character_n and_o profession_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o pimp_n a_o blockhead_n a_o hypocrite_n some_o wretched_a figure_n he_o must_v make_v and_o almost_o ever_o be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o bring_v his_o order_n into_o contempt_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a common_a but_o yet_o so_o gross_a a_o abuse_n of_o wit_n as_o be_v never_o endure_v on_o a_o pagan_a theatre_n at_o least_o in_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a time_n of_o poetry_n before_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n become_v corrupt_v with_o the_o invention_n of_o after_o age_n poet_n then_o teach_v man_n to_o reverence_n their_o god_n and_o those_o who_o â—erved_v they_o none_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n for_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o expose_v it_o public_o or_o if_o any_o have_v their_o government_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n to_o be_v treat_v on_o the_o stage_n with_o contempt_n in_o our_o comedy_n the_o wife_n of_o our_o citizen_n be_v high_o encourage_v to_o despise_v their_o husband_n and_o to_o make_v great_a friendship_n with_o some_o such_o virtuous_a gentleman_n and_o man_n of_o sense_n above_o describe_v this_o be_v their_o way_n of_o recommend_v chastity_n and_o fidelity_n and_o that_o diligence_n and_o frugality_n may_v be_v sufficient_o expose_v though_o the_o two_o virtue_n that_o chief_o support_v the_o be_v of_o any_o state_n to_o deter_v man_n from_o be_v industrious_a and_o wealthy_a the_o diligent_a and_o thrive_a citizen_n be_v make_v the_o most_o wretched_a contemptible_a thing_n in_o â—he_n world_n and_o as_o the_o alderman_n that_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n in_o the_o city_n make_v the_o worst_a on_o the_o stage_n so_o under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n you_o have_v all_o the_o prudence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o country_n most_o unmerciful_o insult_v over_o and_o as_o these_o character_n be_v set_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o ruin_v all_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o virtue_n so_o the_o conduct_n throughout_o the_o language_n the_o fable_n and_o contrivance_n seem_v evident_o design_v for_o the_o same_o noble_a end_n there_o be_v few_o fine_a conceit_n few_o strain_n of_o wit_n or_o extraordinary_a piece_n of_o raillery_n but_o be_v either_o immodest_a or_o irreligious_a and_o very_a few_o scene_n but_o have_v some_o spiteful_a and_o envious_a stroke_n at_o sobriety_n and_o good_a manner_n whence_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v apparent_o receive_v very_o bad_a impression_n the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o irreligious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o infect_v the_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n derive_v from_o the_o stage_n or_o have_v at_o least_o be_v high_o promote_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o those_o 〈◊〉_d who_o power_n it_o be_v have_v not_o restrain_v the_o 〈◊〉_d centiousness_n of_o it_o and_o oblige_v the_o writer_n to_o observe_v more_o decorum_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o poet_n as_o preacher_n be_v in_o some_o country_n be_v pay_v and_o license_v by_o the_o state_n and_o that_o none_o be_v suffer_v to_o write_v in_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o government_n but_o that_o all_o such_o offender_n as_o public_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v silence_v and_o due_o punish_v sure_o some_o effectual_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o these_o man_n may_v not_o be_v suffer_v by_o debauch_v our_o youth_n to_o help_v on_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o brave_a nation_n but_o see_v the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n say_v without_o any_o limitation_n that_o mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o who_o appear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n or_o press_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o other_o that_o have_v write_v and_o preach_v against_o the_o stage_n long_o before_o those_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o think_v mr._n prin_fw-mi author_n of_o the_o histriomastix_n deserve_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v name_v with_o the_o first_o his_o treatise_n be_v perhaps_o the_o largest_n learn_a and_o most_o elaborate_v of_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o which_o mr._n collier_n have_v be_v very_o much_o oblige_v for_o many_o thing_n in_o his_o ingenious_a book_n as_o i_o own_o here_o once_o for_o all_o i_o be_o high_o oblige_v myself_o for_o not_o a_o few_o though_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o a_o different_a method_n i_o have_v already_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n that_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o late_a against_o the_o stage_n be_v a_o neglect_n of_o their_o christian_a duty_n but_o shall_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v not_o always_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o clergy_n which_o will_v be_v a_o further_a confutation_n of_o our_o author_n proposition_n that_o mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o that_o break_v silence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o reproof_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v of_o the_o present_a time_n that_o they_o come_v so_o much_o short_a of_o those_o of_o the_o former_a in_o their_o zeal_n against_o the_o stage_n ancient_a church_n of_o england_n divine_v against_o the_o stage_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v reckon_v needless_a to_o go_v so_o far_o back_o as_o the_o famous_a bradwardin_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o write_v against_o the_o 20._o stage_n in_o 1345._o or_o wickliff_n the_o morningstar_n of_o our_o reformation_n who_o write_v against_o 1._o play_n in_o 1380._o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v descend_v to_o those_o time_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o good_a height_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o 1572._o dr._n matthew_n parker_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr antiquitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la britannicae_n page_n 445._o assert_n that_o stage-play_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o any_o christian_a or_o well_o govern_v commonwealth_n dr._n george_n alley_n bishop_n of_o exeter_n and_o divinity_z lecturer_n at_o st._n paul_n in_o 1571._o the_o second_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n declaim_v against_o
playbook_n and_o stage-play_n as_o the_o fomenter_n and_o fuel_n of_o lust_n the_o occasion_n of_o adultery_n and_o other_o intolerable_a evil_n 39_o and_o in_o that_o same_o book_n etc._n which_o be_v sit_v to_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n be_v print_v by_o her_o majesty_n authority_n he_o inveigh_v against_o wanton_a and_o impure_a book_n as_o be_v then_o too_o frequent_a and_o wish_v the_o author_n of_o of_o they_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o the_o emper_n or_o severus_n inflict_v upon_o vetromus_fw-la turinus_n his_o familiar_a viz._n that_o they_o may_v perish_v by_o smoke_n who_o live_v by_o it_o a_o little_a further_o he_o say_v that_o many_o of_o these_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o read_v lascivious_a book_n worse_o by_o far_o than_o the_o heathen_n the_o people_n call_v massilienses_n before_o they_o know_v christ_n be_v of_o such_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a moral_n that_o their_o manner_n be_v accout_v the_o best_a and_o among_o other_o good_a law_n in_o their_o city_n this_o be_v one_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o comedy_n act_v there_o because_o their_o argument_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o wanton_a and_o dissolute_a love_n but_o alas_o all_o place_n in_o our_o day_n be_v fill_v with_o juggler_n scoffer_n jester_n player_n who_o may_v sâ—â—_n and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v be_v it_o never_o so_o fleshly_a and_o filthy_a and_o yet_o be_v applaud_v with_o laugh_v and_o clap_v of_o hand_n epicharmus_n be_v punish_v by_o hiero_n of_o syracuse_n for_o rehearse_v some_o wanton_a verse_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o wife_n sophocles_n rebuke_v pericles_n for_o launch_v out_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o boy_n that_o pass_v by_o he_o and_o be_v tell_v that_o not_o only_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o praetor_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a from_o bribe_n but_o their_o eye_n clear_a from_o wanton_a look_n that_o the_o athenian_n will_v suffer_v none_o of_o their_o judge_n to_o write_v any_o comedy_n or_o play_n but_o i_o speak_v it_o with_o sorrow_n our_o vicious_a balladmaker_n and_o composer_n of_o lewd_a song_n and_o play_n go_v not_o only_o unpunished_a but_o be_v large_o reward_v there_o be_v no_o adulterer_n in_o sparta_n because_o the_o citizen_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v present_a at_o any_o comedy_n or_o other_o play_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v and_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o law_n the_o next_o we_o shall_v mention_v be_v bishop_n bahingtoâ—_n who_o in_o his_o exposition_n on_o the_o seven_o commandment_n say_v those_o profane_a wanton_a stage_n play_v and_o interlude_n what_o a_o occasion_n thâ—â—_n be_v of_o adultery_n and_o uncleanness_n by_o gesture_n speech_n conveyance_n and_o device_n to_o attain_v ungodly_a desire_n the_o world_n know_v by_o long_a experience_n vanity_n they_o be_v if_o we_o make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o '_o and_o the_o prophet_n pray_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n turn_v away_o from_o behold_v vanity_n evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o they_o abound_v with_o it_o they_o be_v always_o full_a of_o dangerous_a sight_n and_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n they_o corrupt_v the_o eye_n with_o allure_a gesture_n the_o eye_n corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n corrupt_v the_o body_n till_o all_o be_v horrible_a before_o the_o lord_n all_o thing_n be_v pollute_v by_o histrionical_a gesture_n say_v chrysostome_n and_o play_n say_v he_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o satan_n the_o invention_n of_o the_o devil_n council_n have_v decree_v very_o sharp_o against_o they_o those_o who_o have_v be_v desile_v by_o they_o have_v on_o their_o death_n bed_n confess_v the_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o warn_v other_o for_o ever_o to_o avoid_v they_o the_o bishop_n add_v that_o play_v haunter_n carry_v away_o with_o they_o the_o idea_n and_o similitude_n of_o the_o lewd_a representation_n they_o behold_v in_o stage-play_n which_o sink_v deep_a into_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o suck_v in_o the_o poison_n of_o stage-play_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o practice_v the_o speech_n and_o conveyance_n of_o love_n which_o there_o they_o see_v aâ—d_v learn_v and_o have_v once_o pollute_v their_o speech_n with_o the_o language_n of_o the_o theatre_n for_o i_o will_v never_o call_v it_o polish_n they_o be_v never_o well_o but_o when_o they_o have_v company_n to_o who_o they_o may_v impart_v the_o story_n and_o salutation_n they_o have_v learn_v at_o the_o stage_n bishop_n andrews_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o commandment_n bishop_n baily_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o in_o his_o epistle_n agree_v with_o the_o former_a in_o condemn_v stage-play_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v doctor_n reynolds_n in_o his_o overthrow_n of_o stage-play_n doctor_n griffitâ—_n doctor_n williams_n doctor_z elâ—on_n and_o mr._n dod_n on_o the_o seven_o commandment_n doctor_n spark_n in_o his_o rehearsal_n sermon_n at_o paul_n cross_n april_n 29._o 1579._o doctor_n whites_n sermon_n there_o march_z 24._o 1615._o dr._n bond_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o 1595._o and_o as_o many_o more_o doctor_n as_o will_v serve_v to_o make_v up_o a_o convocation_n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v far_o from_o be_v silent_a against_o the_o stage_n nay_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o second_o and_o three_o blast_v of_o retreat_n from_o play_n and_o theatre_n print_v in_o 1580._o that_o many_o godly_a minister_n do_v from_o day_n to_o day_n in_o all_o place_n of_o great_a resort_v denounce_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o all_o such_o be_v they_o high_a or_o low_o that_o favour_v player_n theatre_n or_o play_n mr._n northbrook_n a_o learned_a divine_a in_o his_o treatise_n against_o vain_a play_n and_o interlude_n print_v by_o authority_n in_o 1579._o say_v that_o to_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n plain_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n player_n and_o play_n be_v not_o tolerable_a not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o any_o commonwealth_n because_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n corrupt_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o spectator_n there_o be_v one_o book_n more_o write_v in_o those_o time_n against_o the_o stage_n that_o i_o can_v omit_v because_o of_o the_o singularity_n of_o its_o title_n viz._n the_o church_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o woman_n whereof_o lucifer_n be_v the_o head_n and_o player_n and_o play-haunter_n the_o member_n and_o in_o 1625._o a_o treatise_n against_o stage_n play_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o parliament_n from_o all_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dramatic_a poetry_n speak_v without_o book_n when_o he_o say_v mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o that_o appear_v from_o the_o press_n or_o the_o pulpit_n against_o ouâ—_n stage_n and_o that_o the_o present_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v betray_v the_o cause_n by_o their_o silence_n or_o encourage_v the_o stage_n by_o their_o pen_n and_o practice_n come_v not_o only_o short_a of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o divine_n alone_o who_o in_o those_o day_n attack_v the_o theatre_n but_o poet_n of_o their_o own_o who_o be_v touch_v with_o remorse_n for_o write_v to_o the_o stage_n turn_v their_o pen_n against_o it_o and_o make_v such_o discovery_n of_o its_o lewdness_n as_o no_o other_o person_n be_v able_a to_o do_v cap._n ix_o the_o stage_n condemn_v and_o anatomize_v by_o play-poet_n the_o first_o we_o shall_v name_n be_v mr._n stephen_n gosson_n former_o a_o stage-poet_n for_o which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o his_o school_n of_o abuse_v print_v by_o authority_n and_o dedicate_v to_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n in_o 1578._o that_o his_o eye_n have_v shed_v many_o tear_n of_o sorrow_n and_o his_o heart_n have_v sweat_v many_o drop_n of_o blood_n when_o he_o remember_v stage-play_n to_o which_o he_o be_v once_o so_o much_o addict_v this_o penitent_a stage-poet_n in_o the_o book_n just_a now_o mention_v and_o in_o another_o call_v his_o play_n confute_v print_v in_o 1581._o and_o dedicate_v to_o sir_n francis_n walsingham_n write_v to_o this_o effect_n i_o will_v show_v you_o say_v he_o what_o i_o see_v and_o inform_v you_o what_o i_o read_v of_o play_n ovid_n say_v that_o romulus_n build_v his_o theatre_n as_o a_o horse-fair_a for_o whore_n make_v triumph_n and_o set_v up_o play_n to_o gather_v fair_a woman_n together_o that_o every_o one_o of_o his_o soldier_n may_v take_v where_o he_o like_v a_o snatch_n for_o his_o share_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o the_o abuse_v of_o such_o place_n be_v so_o great_a that_o for_o any_o chaste_a liver_n to_o haunt_v they_o be_v a_o black_a swan_n and_o a_o
number_n the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o vice_n be_v infectious_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o a_o representation_n of_o it_o be_v i_o know_v our_o author_n will_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o common_a apology_n that_o he_o bring_v the_o vicious_a person_n â—o_o a_o tragical_a exit_fw-la and_o display_v his_o crime_n only_o to_o expose_v it_o but_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a pretence_n we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o fatal_a experience_n of_o our_o own_o and_o former_a age_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o those_o theatrical_a representation_n nourish_v vice_n instead_o of_o curb_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o know_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v forbid_v that_o forâ—ication_n or_o uncleanness_n shall_v be_v name_v among_o saint_n without_o abhorrence_n and_o much_o more_o such_o representation_n of_o it_o as_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n many_o other_o remark_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o tragedy_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o whatsoever_o our_o author_n may_v pretend_v his_o reformation_n come_v short_a of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o those_o very_a father_n who_o he_o and_o his_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a will_v reconcile_v to_o the_o stage_n and_o particular_o st._n chysostom_n who_o as_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o say_v that_o stage-player_n deserve_v a_o thousand_o death_n because_o they_o personate_v those_o villainy_n obscenity_n and_o adultery_n which_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n command_v man_n to_o avoid_v remark_n on_o the_o rape_n or_o innocent_a impostor_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o play_n entitle_v the_o rape_n or_o innocent_a impostor_n print_v in_o 1692._o and_o whereof_o i_o understand_v the_o author_n be_v a_o clergyman_n of_o good_a reputation_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v in_o charity_n to_o think_v that_o he_o design_v to_o correct_v and_o not_o to_o encourage_v vice_n by_o his_o play_n but_o as_o the_o pulpit_n and_o not_o the_o stage_n be_v his_o business_n he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o road_n when_o he_o meddle_v with_o play_n and_o though_o it_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o chaste_a than_o that_o call_v beauty_n in_o distress_n yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o his_o own_o serious_a thought_n whether_o genselarius_fw-la premediate_v rape_n upon_o eurione_n his_o glory_v in_o it_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o foul_a crime_n and_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o it_o even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n when_o he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o modesty_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o rather_o a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v lustful_a youth_n to_o dangerous_a attempt_n nor_o be_v eurione_n practice_n who_o kill_v herself_o after_o the_o rape_n to_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o pattern_n in_o such_o case_n our_o author_n know_v that_o the_o father_n disallow_v of_o all_o such_o representation_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o methinks_v shall_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o employ_v himself_o that_o way_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o he_o know_v the_o mischief_n that_o have_v be_v do_v to_o our_o moral_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o theatre_n and_o that_o other_o may_v be_v influence_v to_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n by_o his_o example_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o mr._n durfey_n in_o his_o comedy_n call_v the_o campaigner_n who_o value_v himself_o so_o much_o upon_o his_o conversation_n with_o several_a eminent_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o good_a word_n to_o prove_v his_o good_a behaviour_n that_o he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o ward_v off_o the_o heavy_a charge_n mr._n collier_n have_v bring_v against_o his_o comical_a history_n of_o don_n quixoâ—_n 3._o nay_o a_o page_n or_o two_o further_a he_o triumph_n and_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v mr._n collier_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o mr._n thomas_n randolph_n a_o gown-man_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a moral_a in_o his_o piece_n call_v the_o muse_n looking-glass_n to_o vindicate_v the_o stage_n 7._o of_o such_o mischievous_a consequence_n be_v it_o for_o clergyman_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o the_o playhouse_n either_o by_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n themselves_o keep_v company_n with_o play-poet_n or_o defend_v the_o drama_n i_o shall_v not_o any_o further_o urge_v the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n against_o their_o practice_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v humble_o propose_v to_o their_o consideration_n whether_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o character_n thus_o to_o countenance_v such_o man_n as_o have_v by_o our_o statute-law_n be_v declare_v rogue_n who_o profession_n the_o best_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v since_o the_o reformation_n have_v write_v against_o as_o unlawful_a and_o which_o repent_v nay_o heathen_a poâ—ts_n themselves_o have_v condemn_v and_o abhor_v as_o have_v heen_n already_o prove_v though_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o lash_n which_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v give_v to_o dissenter_n from_o the_o stage_n which_o mr._n durâ—â—y_o argue_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o merit_n in_o his_o collins_n walk_n through_o london_n and_o westminster_n 3._o and_o by_o which_o he_o confirm_v my_o conjecture_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o the_o clergy_n against_o the_o theatre_n yet_o they_o will_v find_v at_o last_o that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v not_o escape_v but_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o chastisement_n through_o the_o back_n and_o side_n of_o clergyman_n of_o other_o denomination_n the_o opprobrious_a term_n of_o say_a grace_n cuffâ—cushion_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o play_n call_v the_o relapse_n be_v as_o applicable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o other_o and_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o render_v the_o ministry_n ridiculous_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o have_v be_v please_v with_o injurious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o brethren_n the_o dissenter_n shall_v come_v in_o their_o turn_n to_o feel_v the_o lash_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o clergy_n have_v their_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o so_o have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o own_o that_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o earthen_a vessel_n 7._o and_o that_o they_o have_v their_o humane_a frailty_n like_o other_o man_n but_o it_o will_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o christian_a state_n that_o the_o theatre_n shall_v make_v sport_n with_o peter_n swear_v and_o deny_v his_o master_n paul_n '_o s_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o barnabas_n '_o s_o dissension_n nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n ought_v it_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v so_o treat_v now_o for_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o power_n with_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o pretension_n to_o infallibility_n in_o doctrine_n yet_o their_o ofsice_n be_v stamp_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o they_o be_v commission_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o master_n reflection_n on_o the_o campaigner_n i_o come_v next_o to_o view_n the_o campaigner_n a_o comedy_n write_v by_o mr._n dursey_n who_o it_o will_v seem_v think_v himself_o above_o reformation_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o preface_n upon_o mr._n collier_n because_o i_o find_v nothing_o of_o argument_n in_o it_o but_o mere_o recrimination_n which_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o mr._n dursey_n comedy_n can_v have_v as_o little_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o moral_n of_o his_o audience_n as_o mr._n collier_n book_n can_v have_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o reader_n but_o to_o come_v to_o his_o play_n the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o van_fw-mi scopen_fw-mi and_o masâ—arillo_n in_o his_o first_o act_n can_v have_v no_o other_o tendency_n but_o to_o harden_v such_o fellow_n in_o their_o impiety_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o art_n of_o drunkenness_n filch_n and_o play_v the_o pimp_n his_o conference_n betwixt_o dorange_a and_o kinglove_n be_v adapt_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o nourish_v vice_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o debauch_v lady_n and_o how_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n may_v carry_v on_o their_o intrigue_n with_o their_o gallant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o mr._n durfey_n bless_v himself_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o invention_n in_o make_v kinglove_n say_v that_o a_o hundred_o pistol_n be_v enough_o for_o a_o hundred_o princess_n a_o price_n sit_v for_o none_o but_o a_o goddess_n and_o
time_n of_o the_o reformation_n here_o in_o england_n several_a good_a christian_n propagate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n under_o the_o veil_n of_o dialogue_n by_o way_n of_o comedy_n and_o tragedy_n insomuch_o that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n get_v they_o forbid_v by_o the_o 34_o and_o 35_o of_o henry_n 8._o c._n i._o the_o famous_a du_n plessis_n mornay_n write_v a_o tragedy_n of_o ieptha_n daughter_n the_o great_a poet_n buchanan_n do_v the_o like_a he_o write_v also_o another_o call_v baptiste_n and_o translate_v into_o latin_a the_o medea_n and_o alcestis_n of_o euripides_n but_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o those_o great_a man_n approve_v the_o stage_n buchanan_n in_o his_o dedication_n of_o alcestis_n to_o margaret_n of_o france_n sister_n of_o henry_n ii_o recommend_v that_o tragedy_n to_o she_o because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o it_o of_o parricid_n witchcraft_n or_o other_o crime_n with_o which_o tragedian_n common_o abound_v so_o that_o by_o this_o he_o rather_o censure_n than_o approve_v the_o theatre_n our_o author_n assertion_n that_o the_o stage_n be_v establish_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n and_o flourish_v in_o that_o of_o k._n james_n upon_o which_o spencer_n bacon_n and_o raleigh_n three_o prodigy_n of_o wit_n appear_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o first-rate_n writer_n till_o henry_n viii_o be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o confidence_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v establish_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n though_o it_o have_v then_o but_o too_o much_o encouragement_n that_o all_o the_o playhouse_n in_o london_n be_v suppress_v upon_o a_o petition_n to_o that_o queen_n in_o 1580._o the_o stage_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o 14_o and_o 39th_o of_o her_o reign_n and_o book_n against_o it_o there_o dedicate_v to_o her_o secretary_n walsingham_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o flourish_v in_o king_n james_n i._o time_n that_o in_o the_o one_a year_n of_o his_o reign_n stage-player_n be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v rogue_n and_o vagabond_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v under_o the_o head_n of_o the_o english_a state_n against_o the_o stage_n as_o to_o the_o learning_n of_o bacon_n and_o raleigh_n it_o surpass_v mr._n dennis_n skill_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n owe_v to_o the_o stage_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o his_o solid_a way_n of_o write_v he_o own_v as_o much_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v immediate_o upon_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o drama_n those_o three_o prodigy_n of_o wit_n appear_v and_o i_o must_v likewise_o observe_v that_o bacon_n and_o raleigh_n as_o he_o call_v they_o employ_v themselves_o in_o more_o generous_a and_o manly_a study_n than_o any_o the_o stage_n can_v boast_v of_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o learned_a work_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o assertion_n that_o we_o have_v no_o first-rate_n writer_n on_o any_o subject_a 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