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PROLOGUE

BY THE

AUTHOR.

OUR fcene is Athens. And great Athens nam'd,

What foul fo dull as not to be inflam'd?

Methinks, at mentioning that facred place,
A rev'rend awe appears in ev'ry face,
For men fo fam'd, of such prodigious parts,
As taught the world all sciences and arts.

Amidst all these, ye shall behold a man
The most applauded fince mankind began;
Out-fhining ev'n thofe Greeks who most excel;
Whofe life was one fix'd course of doing well.

Oh! who can therefore without tears attend
On fuch a life, and such a fatal end?

But here our author, befides other faults Of ill expreffions, and of vulgar thoughts, Commits one crime that needs an act of grace, And breaks the law of unity of place: Yet, to fuch noble patriots, overcome By factious violence, and banish'd Rome, Athens alone a fit retreat could yield : And where can BRUTUS fall, but in Philippi field?

Some criticks judge, ev'n love itself too mean A care to mix in such a lofty scene,

And with those antient bards of Greece believe
Friendship has stronger charms to please or grieve:
But our more am'rous poet, finding love,
Amidst all other cares, still shines above;
Lets not the best of Romans end their lives,
Without just softness for the kindest wives.
Yet, if ye think his gentle nature fuch,

As to have foften'd this great tale too much,
Soon will your eyes grow dry, and passion fall;
When ye reflect, 'tis all but conjugal.

This to the few and knowing was addreft; And now 'tis fit I fhould falute the rest.

Moft reverend dull judges of the pit,

By nature curs'd with the wrong fide of wit!
You need not care what-e'er you
fee to-night,
How ill fome players act, or poets write;
Should our mistakes be never so notorious,
You'll have the joy of being more cenforious :
Shew your small tallent then, let that fuffice ye;
But grow not vain upon it, I advise ye;
Each petty critick can objections raise,
The greatest skill is knowing when to praise.

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THEODOTUS, A PHILOSOPHER.

M. ANTONIUS, THE TRIUMVIR.

DOLABELLA, FRIEND OF M. ANTONIUS.
JUNIA, WIFE OF CASSIUS, AND SISTER OF BRUTUS.
MAGISTRATES OF ATHENS.

CENTURIONS.

OFFICERS.

SOLDIERS.

THE PLAY BEGINS THE DAY BEFORE THE BATTLE OF

PHILIPPI, AND ENDS WITH IT.

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