SCARCE should we have the boldness to pretend Above our neighbours our conceptions are : In this old play, what's new we have exprest In rhiming verfe, diftinguish'd from the rest: That, as the RHONE its hafty way does make, (Not mingling waters) thro' GENEVA's lake: So, having here the diffrent ftyles in view, You may compare the former with the new. H If we lefs rudely shall the knot unty, And yet preferve each perfon's character; THE MAID'S TRAGEDY. ACT V. Enter EVADNE, with a Page of honor. A EVADNE. MINTOR loft, it were as vain a thing, As 'tis prodigious, to betray the King. Compell❜d by threats, to take that bloody oath, And the act ill I am abfolv'd by oath, This ifland left, with pity I'll look down On the King's love, and fierce MELANTIUS, frown. These will to both my refolution bring: Page! give MELANTIUS that; this, to the King: Under how hard a fate are women born! To |