[69] A reward or gratuity given to one that brings good news.—Stevens's "Spanish Dictionary."
[70] All the copies have it so long ago, but Reed followed Dodsley in the absurd error of substituting some days ago.—Collier.
[71] Here the play ended until the third edition which, as has been already noticed, varies materially from those that preceded it. The third edition also omits the original epilogues at the theatre and at court, which, as they are worth preserving, are now inserted in a note.—Collier.
THE EPILOGUE.
Diego comes stealing in, and is followed by Henrique, who stays at the door and listens.
Diego. Come, gentlemen!
Let the Dons and Monsieurs say what they will,
For our parts, we are for Old England still.
Here's a fine Play indeed, to lay the scene
In three houses of the same town, O mean!
Why, we have several plays, where I defy
The devil to tell where the scene does lie:
Sometimes in Greece, and then they make a step
To Transylvania, thence at one leap
To Greece again: this shows a ranging brain,
Which scorns to be confined t' a town in Spain.
Then for the Plot.
The possible Adventures of Five Hours!
A copious design! why, in some of ours
Many of the adventures are impossible,
Or, if to be achiev'd, no man can tell
Within what time: this shows a rare invention,
When the design's above your comprehension;
Whilst here y' are treated with a romance-tale.
And a plot cover'd with a Spanish veil.
As for the Style.
It is as easy as a proclamation,
As if the play were penn'd for the whole nation.
None of those thund'ring lines, which used to crack
Our breaths, and set your wits upon the rack.
Who can admire this piece, or think it good?
There's not one line but may be understood.