HAving long since renounced all sorts of civill homage▪ which ei­ther Custome hath blindly ten­derd, or Arrogance insolently assumed, as the affected [...]ights of Greatness, being but an osten­tive Coloss, nor accessible nor communicable.

I now can figure to my thoughts no nobler Ob­ject of Respect than a clear, high and regular Intel­lect, whose Endowments may challenge a more Plausible and Legitimate Acquisition in such pub­lique addresses of Honour, as may sometime reach to a more remote Posterity; in pursuit of which consequence, Madam, judging the Dignity of your Minde the most perfect Model of so equal a De­signe, I have presumed (from the obscurity of many [...]ars) to tender this piece to your view. The na­ture whereof, though vilified with vulgar Oblo­quie (the unrestrained Fury of whose Ignorance, hath not of late, left the most high and Sacred My­steries unimpeachable) can gain no further access on your Inclinations, than what a clear and sollid Argument impartially may produce, which to un­fold, it will be requisite to distinguish the Nature, and the Vse of this our subject now in Agitation.

In Order to which, the Nature thereof is (with­out all opposition) Poesie. What that is, cannot in my Apprehension be more Elegantly and perspicu­ously [Page] delineated than the agreable Philospher hath formed it in his convertible definition. Poesie is a speaking Picture: A Picture is a dumb Poesie. From which Sence we may extract, that Poesie only is an Art of lively representation of bodies Natural, Sim­ply, without referrence to other, or Compositively with circumstance to their mutual communities, either Natural or Civil. Real in respect of their precedent, present, or future condition: or Imagi­nary in relation to their possibility. In the extent of which Exposition some particulars may p [...]oba­bly at first Appearance seem Dubious, some Erro­nious.

Dubious, As how it may fall within compass of humane capacity: to figure to anothers sence what falls not under the dimension of our own; our pur­pose is not here to search into the causes of so high an illumination, it is sufficient proof to our Positi­on, to affirm such an inspection evident in its Na­ture, as may be instanc'd from the sacred Raptures of the Judahack-Prophets & the Gentique-Sybills, whomthough we seem improperly to include with the tractators of our Subject, inspired by a nobler Object; yet in referrence to the Analogy of form in their Discourses, preceding Ages have in­differently implied the intimation of their Nature under one and the same Denomination. P [...]ophets. Vates, To which usage we have extended this our Exposi­tion.

Erronious, In that the Fancie herein doth assume too vast a Libertie, to figure forms are visibly to natural and to civil Rules inconsonant. As in refer­rence to the First, Satyrs, Centaures, transmutation [Page] of Forms and the like. In answer whereto although it be not difficult to prove, that ev'n herein the Art doth only Nature imitate, who oftentimes from the Inaptitude of matter doth err from her intention in the Form; and in her Ministry doth frequently produce a Prodegie. Yet these inventions may by mean cap [...]ities be distinguished, to be bu [...] Meta­phors to a Moral sence.

In relation to the Second, inserting things Pro­phane, Obscene, Fabulous and Proposterous.

Prophane, As the figuration of their Gods invest­ed with our humane Imperfections.

In reply whereto we may alleadge, that in refe­rence to the Civil frame, intended are hereby, the Potentates of the earth, an allusion may be produc'd from Sacred proofs to form it warrantable. In rela­tion to the natural texture, are secretly herein invol­ved Moral, Phisical, or metaphisical Mysteries, per­haps yet undiscovered, which from the vulgar Eye should be conceal'd, as the Adulterers of Philoso­phy.

Obscene, To clear which charge we might inferr, that if the indecen'st form hereof were figured, it rather would imply an imperfection in our civil Commerce than any Imputation to the Art, whose End is only to expose each Circumstance and acci­dent inherent to the subject, in their most proper and essential Colours, Beauties, or Deformities. Yet will we not so farre insist on the strict Rules of the Art, as not to impute such indiscretion to the Artists Errour. Who may if skilful, nay who ought (according to the true rules of his pattern, Nature) so gracefully to over shadow the less decent parts, [Page] as might not raise a [...]strain on the most modest Cheek to view them publiquely.

Fabulous, This subject bears so little weight in an objection, that it might rather infer the ignorance of the Impeacher, than the Impostury of the Artist. All sorts of Arts having some secret Gloss and reservati­on of their mysteries, to support their Honour and Advantage: This only and alone, pretending unto none declare things for such as it delivers them, Fained or Essential, Imaginary or Historical; though in some textures of the latter kinde may possibly be interwoven certain enlargements and digressions (as graces but peculiar to the Art) not properly consistant with the dignity, weight, use of such a Subject, requireth simple Truth in every cir­cumstance. Yet ev'n herein a clear Intelligence will suddenly distinguish shadows by the position of the Natural light; like perfect ears in Mu [...]ick still tain the Grounds, Orders, Times of every note, though the Musitians hand, to grace his Harmony, cast various flourishes on the suspended Measures to lend more weight unto the usage of invention in this rejected Art, we shall not need to instance the excellence of the nature thereof to Instructtion, to which the choicest of essential similitudes cannot exactly reach, wantig such forms of circumstances as might enlighten the intention of the Deliverer, restrained and obscured in a real Narration. It may suffice to silence opposition, to alledge we find our most authentique precepts couched in such forms of texture, as Allegories or Parables; a winning method to attract the grossest tempers, and infix in All most durable impressions.

[Page] From the freedome of this latter objected subject, issues the objection of the last (Preposturous) in that it is suppos'd the unprescribed Fancy, ha [...]ing assu­med a liberty to rove, will suddenly contract extra­vagant mixtures in her compositions, to form a Pro­digie in the civill frame, as formerly in the natural.

To this conjecture we may make reply: That no Absurdity can be imagined so irregular, which may not meet a parralel in the occurrences of civil Actions. Be it, that we should suppose the most e­vident. Truth condemned for the grossest Errour: That Wisedom should be confuted by Ignorance: Integrity ejected by Hypocrisie, Valour overcome by Lachety, Industry supplanted by Sloth, the In­nocent suffer by the Criminal, Justice smothered by Iniquity, Love rewarded with Hate; which without further proof to verify, I only, Madam, will appeal to you [...] own observation. If any shall aledge such accidents to be but the effects of our corrupti­on which guids us still to satisfie our sence, rather than an infeasable impropriety in a civill usage, which the licentiousness of the Art doth often fi­gure; not to decline the smallest shadow of an ob­jected scruple; we shall in some example devest the action of this pretended object, leaving the oc­currence immaterial or void in any cosnequence what ever. Can humane sence reflect upon a more Preposterous transaction than That the Monarch of the world should in the height of all his Glory, and in the Eye of all the world ma [...]nificently solemnize Nuptials with another Man; the most object of his Domesticks. Yet such a real precedent we may authenickly col­lect from the Records of Nero's Infamy.

[Page] Having thus briefly (as the capacity of our Pre­face will give leave) discussed of the Nature of our Subject. Order requires that we should next insist upon the use Thereof: Whereon depends the real worth of every Piece, in Nature or in Art, which to pursue methodically, we should in course unfold the several kinds thereof, in their particu­lars; as Odes, Elegies, Epigrams, and the like: But since the nature of our present subject may include them all, as several species under their proper gen­der, we only will adhere to agitate thereon, raising our introduction from the first view of the whole Frame, without distinction of the Parts thereof.

If intercourse in civill commerce may conduce to form the Judgement, compose the mind, or rectify the manners (as none who hath receiv'd impression thereof, can deny) no form of instituti­on humane reason can reflect upon, more suddenly and more perfectly can attain thereto, than can the well composed illustrations of a Theater. Where in few hours we may take full view of such variety in circumstance, as many Ages cannot represent; and from the consequence of events collect such rules, may guide our undertakings with successe to their peculiar Objects. Whilst being uninteressed Specta­tors only, are to us distinguished the secret source of each Transactors purposes, whose actions leave so sensible an impression of their Character in our thoughts, that seldom in our own particular com­munity we encounter such an inclination, but that the prepossession of their figure streight illuminates our sences to disclose their Tract; whereby our Fortunes, Lives, Liberties and Fames, are timely of­tentimes secur'd from secret Trains.

[Page] To yeeld a true allay to the distempers of the Soul, no Art can form a fairer methode, than thus to represent the wilde distractions of her irregular motives, transported with licentious fury, to exe­cute the giddy will, with violation to each strict prescription, Outrage to it self, with the disasters frequently ensue so stubborn a revolt from that in­terrior light, should lend her dignity: if the de­formity of the figure may reduce the minde to a more happy and decent Regulation of her facul­ties. To which pattern was among the Spartans introduced a custom to inebriate their Slaves, they might expose their loose Demeanors to their chil­drens view, that such a loathsome spectacle might imprint a lasting Detestation of so bruitish a di­stemper.

Nor yet to regulate our manners can the most powerfull precepts form the Minde, so willingly susceptible of her intended Object: If intimation of the glory and successe of virtue may inflame the Soul to noble enterprises; or the Infamy and pu­nishment of Vice, deterre from shamefull practises, which are the principall Objects, a well compiled Piece still viseth at: or, seldome in the most im­perfect are omitted. First, in regard the minde is here no way subordinate unto a more supream suf­ficience than her own. Secondly, in that such forms of Institution do pretend unto no servile impositi­ons, the most materiall impediments, why the au­thentick'st guides so seldome meet successe in the Intention of their elaborate prescriptions. Sub­jects of this nature propounding no other object, but delight, unto the Auditory, the sensuall minde [Page] is easily inticed to view such spectacles, where left unto the freedome of her proper Inclination, she insensibly assumes a voluntary propension to those forms are represented in the fairest Characters, with an aversion to the impeachable.

These are the essentiall uses of our subject; nor yet are the Collaterall lesse materiall: as, The Community of a Prince unto his people (at whose peculiar charge were formerly erected such magni­ficent receipts for publique Spectacles, either to ingratiate himself with his subjects in a mutuall participation of delight, as an endearing enter­tainment from himself, or else to represent the ob­ject, by circumstance and issue of some eminent ex­pedition, enterprise or treaty within his proper ju­risdiction, or with foreign States transacted by him­self or substitutes, unto the illiterate and orebusied multitude: who usually want vacancy or capa­city to peruse, conceive, or retain the sence thereof under the tedious, abstruse forms of publique ma­nifests: which figured in such Interludes were e­ven obvious, to their very children. A happy piece of policy to inform with delight the meanest mem­ber of the civill frame in what he is concerned. The means to our security becoming once to us a mysterie, may justly by us be suspected for disgui­sed Furbery.

To this advantage herein doth succeed the be­nefit which ariseth from the Peoples intercourse with one another, not onely in the introduction a [...]d pursuit of Commerce or Affairs: but in the initiation and support of mutuall Amities, sprung frequently from civill and unsought abodes, and cherished with gracefull entertainments in Society, [Page] which here not limited to particulars, may possi­bly be dispensed through the civill structure to the Composure of a generall Union, the strength and glory of a Commonwealth. From whence also en­sues the requisite relaxation of Minde and Body, (o'reburdened with the travell of private or pub­lique Negotiations) in a plausible divertisment, whereby become refresht, both may with fuller vi­gour and Alacrity, reassume the pursuit of their ci­vill Functions.

Nor is the Action of a Theatre lesse usefull in the Education of our Youth (a frequent exercise in Forreign Seminaries, Societies and Schools, to in­animate their spirits, render them plyant and sus­ceptible to every form, might either frame them more agreeable in their society, or more successe­full in their private Commerce; as also, to lend a more assured gracefull unconstrain'd Demeanour to their persons and in such Habits, to indue them with undaunted Confidence, Facility, and readi­nesse to communicate in discourse the Image of their Thoughts to an attentive multitude, an ac­quisition of no little moment, in publique Consul­tations, Conferences and pleas: In managing whereof, who hath not gained this Dexterity, shall finde the weightiest Reasons in his Argument si­lenc'd, smotherd, o'resway'd by the lesse pertinent clamor of an insisting Impudence.

These are the generall Objects, which we but cursorarily have onely pointed at, omitting them to [...]mplifie or illustrate with the Honour or Ex­ample of Antiquity, in due conformity to the qua­lity of our Introduction, and the more clear inspe­ction [Page] into the nature of our present Subject, which possibly might appear to rigid Tempers of far lesse validity, o're-shaddowed with such formalities, as if they were but artificiall Ornaments, no proper or essentiall lusters.

The particular Objects have a vaster influence, which (not to err from our pre [...]ciption) we will contract to one united couplet to crown the clo­sure of our Texture, affirming that Poesie investeth vertues, Glory with Eternity on Earth: and im­spiring life in Harmony, lends Zeal wings to scale the vault of Heaven. If this Essay may in your Honour, Madam, but pretend to the first branch hereof; my next Endeavour shall in your Piety attempt to reach the latter.