--_Spectator_, No. 62. The word once comprehended human
knowledge in general. We still talk of the wit of man, to signify
all that man can devise.
2. The first Italian opera is said to have been that of "Dafne,"
performed at Florence in 1597.--_See_ BURNEY'S _History of Music_,
Vol. iv. p. 17.
3. This passage gave great offence, being supposed to contain an
oblique reflection on Purcell and the other English composers.
4. Alluding to the disputes betwixt the King and Parliament, on the
important point of the command of the militia.]
PROLOGUE
Full twenty years, and more, our labouring stage
Has lost, on this incorrigible age:
Our poets, the John Ketches of the nation,
Have seemed to lash ye, even to excoriation;
But still no sign remains; which plainly notes,
You bore like heroes, or you bribed like Oates.--
What can we do, when mimicking a fop,
Like beating nut-trees, makes a larger crop?
'Faith, we'll e'en spare our pains! and, to content you,
Will fairly leave you what your Maker meant you.
Satire was once your physic, wit your food;
One nourished not, and t'other drew no blood:
We now prescribe, like doctors in despair,
The diet your weak appetites can bear.
Since hearty beef and mutton will not do,
Here's julep-dance, ptisan of song and show:
Give you strong sense, the liquor is too heady;
You're come to farce,--that's asses milk,--already.
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