Thomas Shadwell [1678], The history of Timon of Athens, the man-hater. As it is acted at the Dukes Theatre. Made into a play. By Tho. Shadwell (Printed by J. M. for Henry Herringman [etc.], London) [word count] [S32800].
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Introductory matter
To the Most ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE GEORGE DUKE of BUCKINGHAM, &c.
May it please your Grace,
Nothing could ever contribute more
to my having a good opinion of
my self, than the being favour'd by
your Grace: The thought of which has so
exalted me, that I can no longer conceal my
Pride from the World; but must publish the
Joy I receive in having so noble a Patron,
and one so excelling in Wit and Judgment;
Qualities which even your Enemies could never
doubt of, or detract from. And which
make all good men and men of sence admire
you, and none but Fools and ill men fear you
for 'em. I am extreamly sensible what honour
it is to me that my Writings are approved
by your Grace; who in your own
-- --
have so clearly shown the excellency of Wit
and Judgment in your Self, and so justly the
defect of 'em in others, that they at once
serve for the greatest example, and the sharpest
reproof. And no man who has perfectly
understood the Rehearsal, and some other of
your Writings, if he has any Genius at all,
can write ill after it.
I pretend not of an Epistle to make a Declamation
upon these and your other excellent
Qualities. For naming the Duke of
Buckingham is enough: who cannot have
greater commendations from me than all who
have the honour to know him already give
him. Amongst which number I think it my
greatest happiness to be one, and can never
be prouder of any thing can arrive to me,
than of the honour of having been admitted
sometimes into your Graces Conversation,
the most charming in the World. I am now
to present your Grace with this History of
Timon, which you were pleased to tell me
you liked, and it is the more worthy of you,
since it has the inimitable hand of Shakespear
-- --
in it, which never made more Masterly
strokes than in this. Yet I can truly say, I
have made it into a Play. Which I humbly
lay at your feet, begging the continuance of
your Favour, which no man can value more
than I shall ever do, who am unfeignedly,
My Lord,
Your Graces
Most Obedient,
humble Servant,
Tho. Shadwell.
-- --
Prologue TO TIMON.
Since the bare gleanings of the stage are grown
The only portion for brisk Wits o'th' Town,
We mean such as have no crop of their own;
Methinks you should encourage them that sow,
Who are to watch and gather what does grow.
Thus a poor Poet must maintain a Muse,
As you do Mistresses for others use:
The wittiest Play can serve him but one day,
Though for three months it finds you what to say.
Yet you your Creditors of wit will fail,
And never pay, but borrow on and rail.
Poor Echo's can repeat wit, though they've none,
Like Bag-pipes they no sound have of their own,
Till some into their emptiness be blown.
Yet—
To be thought Wits and Judges they're so glad,
And labour for't, as if they were Wit-mad.
Some will keep Tables for the Wits o'th'Nation,
And Poets eat them into reputation.
Some Scriblers will Wit their whole bus'ness make,
For labour'd dullness grievous pains will take;
And when with many Throes they've travail'd long,
They now and then bring forth a Foolish Song.
One Fop all modern Poets will condemn,
And by this means a parlons Judg will seem.
-- --
Wit is a common Idol, and in vain
Fops try a thousand wayes the name to gain.
Pray judge the nauseous Farces of the Age,
And meddle not with sence upon the Stage;
To you our Poet no one line submits,
Who such a Coil will keep to be thought Wits:
'Tis you who truly are so, he would please;
But knows it is not to be done with ease.
In the Art of Judging you as wife are grown,
As in their choice some Ladies of the Town.
Your neat shap't Barbary Wits you will despise,
And none but lusty Sinewy Writers prize.
Old English Shakespear-stomachs you have still,
And judge as our Fore-fathers writ with skill.
You Coin the Wit, the Witlings of the Town
Retailers are, that spread it up and down;
Set but your stamp upon't, though it be brass,
With all the Wou'd-be-Wits, 'twill currant pass.
Try it to day and we are sure 'twill hit,
All to your Soveraign Empire must submit.
-- --
Persons Names.
Timon of Athens | Mr. Betterton. |
Alcibiades, an Athenian Captain. | Mr. Smith. |
Apemantus, a Rigid Philosopher. | Mr. Harris. |
Nicias. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Sandford. |
Phæax [Phaeax]. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Underhill. |
Ælius [Aelius]. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Leigh. |
Cleon. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Norris. |
Isander. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Percival. |
Isidore. Senator of Athens. | Mr. Gillo. |
Thrasillus. Senator of Athens. |
Demetrius, Timons Steward. | Mr. Medburne. |
Diphilus, Servant to Timon. | Mr. Bowman. |
Old man [Old Athenian]. | Mr. Richards. |
| Poet. | Mr. Jevon. |
| Painter. |
| Jeweller. |
| Musician. |
| Merchant. |
| Evandra. | Mrs. Betterton. |
| Melissa. | Mrs. Shadwell. |
| Chloe. | Mrs. Gibbs. |
Thais. Mistress to Alcibiades. | Mrs. Seymor. |
Phrinias [Phrynia]. Mistress to Alcibiades. | Mrs. Le-Grand. |
Servants [Servant], [Servant 1], [Servant 2], [Servant 3]. |
Messengers [Messenger]. |
| Several Masqueraders. |
Souldiers [Soldier 1]. |
[Lady 1], [Nymphs], [Shepherds], [Maerades], [Aegipanes], [Bacchus], [Chorus], [Page], [Creditor 1], [Creditor 2], [Creditor 3], [Creditor 4], [Herald], [Senators]
Scene Athens.
-- 1 --
Timon of Athens, OR THE MAN-HATER.
Thomas Shadwell [1678], The history of Timon of Athens, the man-hater. As it is acted at the Dukes Theatre. Made into a play. By Tho. Shadwell (Printed by J. M. for Henry Herringman [etc.], London) [word count] [S32800].
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