Oh! that the difference between Poetry and Life were once for all set down—and not only once for all, but every time that it comes in question.
BULLER.
My dear sir, do gratify Seward's very reasonable desire, and once for all set down the difference.
SEWARD.
You bear suicides on the stage, and tyrannicides and other cides—all simple homicide—much murder. Even Romeo's killing Tybalt in the street, in reparation for Mercutio's death, you would take rather differently, if happening to-day in Pall Mall, or Moray Place.
NORTH.
We have assuredly for the Stage a qualified scheme of sentiment—grounded no doubt on our modern or every-day morality—but specifically modified by Imagination—by Poetry—for the use of the dramatist. Till we have set down what we do bear, and why, we are not prepared for distinguishing what we won't bear, and why.
BULLER.
Oracular!
SEWARD.