On /^THEATRE. 31 
appearing at them, they will be corrected, or never per- 
formed, and confequently fall into oblivion. 
Granting that the Rage is obliged to love, more than to all 
the other pafiions ; and that this fubjedt being taken from the 
poet, he will throw away his quill : how infinitely diverfified 
are the fcenes which this pafiion creates in real life ! Without 
departing from nature, he may make his incidents very inte- 
refiing, and yet keep up to the decency of a public exhibi- 
tion. Why fhould he attempt to unfold the dark corners of 
the heart ? But to reprefent adtions in themfelves black and de- 
tefiable, with all the gloffes which wit can furnifli, and all the 
gay colors which a lively imagination can paint, is a vile pro- 
Ritution of the faculties of the foul, which were given for very 
different purpofes.- What proofs has our inimitable shake- 
spear given, that this pafiion may be treated delicately, de- 
lightfully, virtuously ! Without proceeding to fuch roman- 
tic heights as fome dramatic writers have carried this pafiion, 
their fcenes of love might be more generally calculated for 
common life, to infpire an audience with a right fenfe of focial 
virtues, 
“ And marriage be no more the j eft of fools” 
Farewell. 
L E T- 
