Accordingly, shortly after these
pamphlets had appeared, the following advertisement was annexed to
"The Duke of Guise:"
"There was a preface intended to this play in vindication of it,
against two scurrilous libels lately printed; but it was judged,
that a defence of this nature would require more room than a preface
reasonably could allow. For this cause, and for the importunities of
the stationers, who hastened their impression, it is deferred for
some little time, and will be printed by itself. Most men are
already of opinion, that neither of the pamphlets deserve an answer,
because they are stuffed with open falsities, and sometimes
contradict each other; but, for once, they shall have a day or two
thrown away upon them, though I break an old custom for their sakes,
which was,--to scorn them."
The resolution, thus announced, did not give universal satisfaction to
our author's friends; one of whom published the following
remonstrance, which contains some good sense, in very indifferent
poetry:
_An Epode to his worthy Friend_ JOHN DRYDEN, _to advise him not to
answer two malicious Pamphlets against his Tragedy called_ "The
Duke of Guise." (_Marked by Luttrel, 10 March, 1683/4._)
Can angry frowns rest on thy noble brow
For trivial things;
Or, can a stream of muddy water flow
From the Muses' springs;
Or great Apollo bend his vengeful bow
'Gainst popular stings?
Desist thy passion then; do not engage
Thyself against the wittols of the age.
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