Samuel Johnson (Meynell & Chesterton)/Chapter 14e

Prologue to the Comedy of A Word to the Wise,
(by Hugh Kelly}. Spoken by Mr. Hull

This night presents a play which public rage,
Or right, or wrong, once hooted from the stage.
From zeal or malice, now no more we dread,
For English vengeance wars not with the dead.
A generous foe regards with pitying eye
The man whom fate has laid where all must lie.
To wit reviving from its author's dust,
Be kind, ye judges, or at least be just,
For no renew'd hostilities invade
The oblivious grave's inviolable shade.
Let one great payment every claim appease,
And him, who cannot hurt, allow to please;
To please by scenes unconscious of offence,
By harmless merriment or useful sense.
Where aught of bright, or fair, the piece displays,
Approve it only; 'tis too late to praise.
If want of skill, or want of care appear,
Forbear to hiss; the poet cannot hear.
By all, like him, must praise and blame be found
At best a fleeting gleam, or empty sound.
Yet then shall calm reflection bless the night
When liberal pity dignify'd delight;
When pleasure fired her torch at Virtue's flame,
And Mirth was Bounty with an humbler name.