MARK AKENSIDE, 1749
(1721-1770)
“The Remonstrance of Shakespeare: supposed to have been spoken at the Theatre Royal, while the French comedians were acting by subscription. 1749.”
If, yet regardful of your native land,
Old Shakespeare’s tongue you deign to understand,
Lo, from the blissful bowers where Heaven rewards
Instructive sages and unblemish’d bards,
I come, the ancient founder of the stage,
Intent to learn, in this discerning age,
What form of wit your fancies have embrac’d,