The original and the parody are both given at full length in volume iv. of The New Foundling Hospital for Wit. London, 1786.
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BEN JONSON’S “ODE ON THE STAGE.”
Ben Jonson was very unfortunate in not conciliating the affections of his brother writers. He possessed a great share of arrogance, and was desirous of ruling the realms of Parnassus with a despotic sceptre. That he was not always successful in his theatrical compositions is evident from his abusing, on the title pages of his plays, both the actors and the public. I have collected the following three satirical odes, written when the unfavorable reception of his “New Inn, or The Light Heart,” warmly exasperated the poet.
He printed the title in the following manner: “New Inn, or The Light Heart; a Comedy never acted, but most negligently played by some, the King’s servants; and more squeamishly beheld and censured by others, the King’s subjects, 1629. Now at last set at liberty to the readers, his Majesty’s servants and subjects, to be judged, 1631.”
At the end of this play he published the following Ode, in which he threatens to quit the stage for ever; and turn at once a Horace, an Anacreon, and a Pindar.
“The just indignation the author took at the vulgar censure of his play, begat this following Ode to himself:
Come, leave the loathed stage,
And the more loathsome age;
Where pride and impudence (in fashion knit,)