The following Plays, excepting the Laſt, will fall under the ſame Heads of Commendation with the Former. However, ſince the Poets have here been prodigal in their Expence, and dreſs'd themſelves with more Curioſity then ordinary, they deſerve a proportionable Regard. So much Finery muſt not be Crowded. I ſhall therefore make Elbow-Room for their Figure, and allow them the Compaſs of a diſtinct Chapter.
To begin with Amphytrion. In this Play Mr. Dryden repreſents Jupiter with the Attributes of the ſupream Being: He furniſhes him with Omnipotence, makes him the Creator of Nature, and the Arbiter of Fate, puts all the Functions of Providence in his Hand, and deſcribes him with the Majeſty of the true God. And when he has put Him in this glorious Equipage, he brings him out for Diverſion. He makes him expreſs himſelf in the moſt intemperate Raptures: He is willing to Renounce his Heaven for his Brutality, and employ a whole Eternity in Lewdneſs. He draws his Debauch at its full Length, with all the Art, and Heightings, and Foulneſs of Idea immaginable. This Jupiter is not contented with his ſucceſs againſt Amphitrion, unleſs he brings Alcmena into the Confederacy, and makes her a Party ex poſt Facto. He would not have her think of her Huſband, but her Lover, that is, her Whoremaſter. 'Tis not the ſucceſs, but the manner of gaining it which is all in all. 'Tis the Vice which is the charming Circumſtance. Innocence and Regularity, are dangerous Companions; They ſpoil Satiſfaction, and make every Thing inſipid! Unleſs People take care to diſcharge their Virtue, and clear off their Conſcience, their Senſes will vaniſh immediately! For Jupiter, ſays he, would owe nothing to a Name ſo dull as Huſband. And in the next Page.
That very name of Wife And Marriage
Is poyſon to the deareſt ſweets of Love.