This Author is done; I shall therefore pass on to the _Comedians_. And here, _Aristophanes_ is so declared an Atheist, that I think him not worth the citing. Besides, he has but little upon the Argument: And where he does engage it, the _Priests_ have every jot as good Quarter as the Gods.[260] As for _Terence_, he neither represents any _Priests_, nor so much as mentions them. _Chrysalus_ in _Plautus_ describes _Theotimus Diana's Priest_, as a Person of Quality, and Figure.[261] In his _Rudens_ we have a _Priestess_ upon the _Stage_, which is the only Instance in this _Poet_.[262] She entertains the two Women who were wrecked, and is commended for her hospitable Temper. The Procurer _Labrax_ swaggers that he will force the Temple, and begins the Attack. _Demades_ a Gentleman, is surprized at his Insolence, and threatens him with Revenge. The report of so bold an attempt made him cry out. _Quis homo est tanta Confidentia; qui sacerdotem andeat Violare?_[263] It seems in those Days 'twas very infamous to affront a _Holy Character_, and break in upon the _Guards_ of Religion! Thus we see how the Antient Poets behaved themselves in the Argument. _Priests_ seldom appear in their _Plays_. And when they come 'tis Business of Credit that brings them. They are treated like Persons of Condition. They Act up to their Relation; neither sneak, nor prevaricate, nor do any thing unbecoming their Office. And now a word or two of the _Moderns_. The famous _Corneille_ and _Moliere_, bring no _Priests_ of any kind upon the _Stage_. The former leaves out _Tiresias_ in his _Oedipus_: Tho' this Omission balks his Thought, and maims the _Fable_. What therefore but the regard to Religion could keep him from the use of this Liberty? As I am informed the same Reservedness is practis'd in _Spain_, and _Italy_: And that there is no Theatre in _Europe_ excepting the _English_, that entertains the _Audience_ with _Priests_.