Note 71 — ACT V.
Reading edition
Here the play ended until the third edition which, as has been already noticed, varies materially from those that preceded it. The third edition also omits the original epilogues at the theatre and at court, which, as they are worth preserving, are now inserted in a note.—Collier.
THE EPILOGUE.
Diego comes stealing in, and is followed by Henrique, who stays at the door and listens.
Diego. Come, gentlemen! Let the Dons and Monsieurs say what they will, For our parts, we are for Old England still. Here's a fine Play indeed, to lay the scene In three houses of the same town, O mean! Why, we have several plays, where I defy The devil to tell where the scene does lie: Sometimes in Greece, and then they make a step To Transylvania, thence at one leap To Greece again: this shows a ranging brain, Which scorns to be confined t' a town in Spain.
Then for the Plot.
The possible Adventures of Five Hours! A copious design! why, in some of ours Many of the adventures are impossible, Or, if to be achiev'd, no man can tell Within what time: this shows a rare invention, When the design's above your comprehension; Whilst here y' are treated with a romance-tale. And a plot cover'd with a Spanish veil.
As for the Style.
It is as easy as a proclamation, As if the play were penn'd for the whole nation. None of those thund'ring lines, which used to crack Our breaths, and set your wits upon the rack. Who can admire this piece, or think it good? There's not one line but may be understood.
The Raillery.
As innocent as if't had pass'd the test Of a full synod: not one bawdy jest! Nor any of those words of double sense, Which make the ladies, to show their innocence, Look so demure, whilst by a simp'ring smile The gallant shows he understands the style. But here you have a piece so subtly writ, Men must have wit themselves to find the wit. Faith, that's too much; therefore by my consent, We'll damn the play. Henrique. Think'st thou, impertinent, That these, who know the pangs of bringing forth [Pointing to the Pit. A living scene, should e'er destroy this birth? You ne'er can want such writers, who aspire To please the judges of that upper tier. The knowing are his peers, and for the rest Of the illiterate crowd (though finely dress'd), The author hopes he never gave them cause To think he'd waste his time for their applause. You then (most equal judges) freely give Your votes, whether this play should die or live.
THE EPILOGUE AT COURT.
We've pass'd the lords and commons, and are come At length, dread sir, to hear your final doom. 'Tis true your vassals, sir, may vote the laws. Their sanction comes from your divine applause. This shining circle then will all sit mute 'Till one pronounce from you Le Roi le veut.[72]