The non-appearance of it in the Poems of Dryden, as published by Mr. Tonson in 1701, is no disproof of the claim which I advocate. The volume contains only twenty prologues and epilogues—but Dryden wrote twice that number!
I shall now produce some circumstantial evidence in favour of Dryden. It is derived from an examination of the volume entitled Covent Garden drolery. This small volume contains twenty-two prologues or epilogues, and more than fifty songs—all anonymous, but said to be written by the refinedest wits of the age. We have, 1. A prologue and epilogue to the Maiden queen of Dryden—not those printed in 1668; 2. A prologue and epilogue to the Parson's wedding of Thomas Killigrew; 3. A prologue and epilogue to the Marriage à la mode of Dryden—printed with the play in 1673; 4. The prologue to Julius Cæsar; 5. A prologue to the Wit without money of Beaumont and Fletcher—printed in the Poems of Dryden, 1701; 6. A prologue to the Pilgrim of Fletcher—not that printed in 1700. These pieces occupy the first twelve pages of the volume. It cannot be requisite to give any further account of its contents.
I waive the question of internal evidence; but have no misgiving, on that score, as to the opinion which may henceforth prevail on the validity of the claim now advanced in favour of Dryden.
Sir Walter Scott observes, with reference to the essay Of dramatick poesie, "The contrast of Ben. Jonson and Shakspere is peculiarly and strikingly felicitous." He could have said no less—whatever he might have said as to its authorship—had he seen the Prologue to Julius Cæsar.
Bolton Corney.
PARTY SIMILES OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY:—NO. I. "FOXES AND FIREBRANDS." NO. II. "THE TROJAN HORSE."
(Continued from Vol. viii., p. 488.)
The following works I omitted to mention in my last Note from want of room. The first is by that amiable Nimrod, John Bale, Bishop of Ossory:
"Yet a Course at the Romyshe Foxe, &c. Compyled by Johan Harrison. Zurich. 1543. 4to."