only helps the design forward with less precipitation, but also
heightens the ridiculous character of Foresight, which indeed seems
to be maimed without it. But I found myself in great danger of a
long play, and was glad to help it where I could. Though
notwithstanding my care and the kind reception it had from the town,
I could heartily wish it yet shorter: but the number of different
characters represented in it would have been too much crowded in
less room.

This reflection on prolixity (a fault for which scarce any one
beauty will atone) warns me not to be tedious now, and detain your
lordship any longer with the trifles of, my lord, your lordship's
most obedient and most humble servant,

WILLIAM CONGREVE.



PROLOGUE. Spoken, at the opening of the new house, by Mr Betterton.



The husbandman in vain renews his toil
To cultivate each year a hungry soil;
And fondly hopes for rich and generous fruit,
When what should feed the tree devours the root;
Th' unladen boughs, he sees, bode certain dearth,
Unless transplanted to more kindly earth.
So the poor husbands of the stage, who found
Their labours lost upon ungrateful ground,