e of characters that I have given the same to Sebastian and
Almeyda, and consequently made them alike in all things but their sex.
But let them look a little deeper into the matter, and they will find,
that this identity of character in the greatness of their souls was
intended for a preparation of the final discovery, and that the
likeness of their nature was a fair hint to the proximity of their
blood.
To avoid the imputation of too much vanity, (for all writers, and
especially poets, will have some,) I will give but one other instance,
in relation to the uniformity of the design. I have observed, that the
English will not bear a thorough tragedy; but are pleased, that it
should be lightened with underparts of mirth. It had been easy for me
to have given my audience a better course of comedy, I mean a more
diverting, than that of Antonio and Morayma; but I dare appeal, even
to my enemies, if I, or any man, could have invented one, which had
been more of a piece, and more depending on the serious part of the
design. For what could be more uniform, than to draw from out of the
members of a captive court, the subject of a comical entertainment? To
prepare this episode, you see Dorax giving the character of Antonio,
in the beginning of the play, upon his first sight of him at the
lottery; and to make the dependence, Antonio is engaged, in the fourth
act, for the deliverance of Almeyda; which is also prepared, by his
being first made a slave to the captain of the rabble.
I should beg pardon for these instances; but perhaps they may be of
use to future poets, in the conduct of their plays; at least, if I
appear too positive, I am growing old, and thereby in possession of
some experience, which men in years will always assume for a right of
talking. Certainly if a man can ever have reason to set a value on
himself, it is when his ungenerous enemies are taking the advantage of
the times upon him, to ruin him in his reputation. And therefore, for
once, I will make bold to take the counsel of my old master Virgil,
_Tu ne cede mails, sed contra audentior ito._
Footnotes:
1. There was a Portuguese prophecy to this purpose, which they applied
to the expected return of Sebastian:
_Vendra et Incubierto,
Vendra cierto;
Entrera en el huerto,
Per el puerto,
Questa mas a ca del muro;
Y'lo que paresce escuro,
Se vra claro e abierto._
Two false Sebastians, both hermits, laid cl
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