52
TRANSLATION OF THE PROLOGUE TO THE ANDRIAN.
And used it as His own. This They dispraise,
Contending that such Mixture spoils both Plays.
They are so knowing, that They nothing know,
Who, while on Him They foul Reproaches throw,
Nævius, Plautus, Ennius accuse,
Authors, whose Track our Poet but pursues,
More fond to emulate Their Negligence,
Than of these Men the grov'ling Diligence.
I warn Them to be quiet, and forbear
To slander, lest Their own Misdeeds They hear.
Attend with Favour, and with Patience try,
That what remains of Hope You may descry.
Whether His Plays, hereafter made quite new,
Will be seen out, or driven off by You.
Contending that such Mixture spoils both Plays.
They are so knowing, that They nothing know,
Who, while on Him They foul Reproaches throw,
Nævius, Plautus, Ennius accuse,
Authors, whose Track our Poet but pursues,
More fond to emulate Their Negligence,
Than of these Men the grov'ling Diligence.
I warn Them to be quiet, and forbear
To slander, lest Their own Misdeeds They hear.
Attend with Favour, and with Patience try,
That what remains of Hope You may descry.
Whether His Plays, hereafter made quite new,
Will be seen out, or driven off by You.
