Chapter XXVI: Prologue

Self-love, which, never rightly understood,
Makes poets still conclude their plays are good,
And malice, in all critics, reigns so high,
That for small errors, they whole plays decry;
So that to see this fondness, and that spite,
You'd think that none but madmen judge or write.
Therefore our poet, as he thinks not fit
T' impose upon you what he writes for wit;
So hopes, that, leaving you your censures free, }
You equal judges of the whole will be: }
They judge but half, who only faults will see. }
Poets, like lovers, should be bold and dare,
They spoil their business with an over-care;
And he, who servilely creeps after sense,
Is safe, but ne'er will reach an excellence.
Hence 'tis, our poet, in his conjuring,
Allowed his fancy the full scope and swing.
But when a tyrant for his theme he had,
He loosed the reins, and bid his muse run mad:
And though he stumbles in a full career,
Yet rashness is a better fault than fear.
He saw his way; but in so swift a pace,
To chuse the ground might be to lose the race.
They then, who of each trip the advantage take,
Find but those faults, which they want wit to make.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

MAXIMIN, _Tyrant of Rome_.

PORPHYRIUS, _Captain of the Praetorian Bands_.

CHARINUS, _the Emperor's son_.

PLACIDIUS, _a great officer_.

VALERIUS, }
} _Tribunes of the army_.
ALBINUS, }

NIGRINUS, _a Tribune and conjurer_.

AMARIEL, _guardian-angel to St_ CATHARINE.

APOLLONIUS, _a Heathen philosopher_.

BERENICE, _wife to_ MAXIMIN.

VALERIA, _daughter to_ MAXIMIN.

_St_ CATHERINE, _Princess of Alexandria_.

FELICIA, _her mother_.

EROTION, }
} _Attendants_.
CYDNON, }

SCENE--_The camp of Maximin, under the walls of Aquileia_.

TYRANNIC LOVE,

OR, THE

ROYAL MARTYR.