_2ly._ _Horace_ who was as good a judge of the _Stage_, as either of those _Comedians_, seems to be of another Opinion. He condemns the obscenities of _Plautus_, and tells you Men of Fortune and Quality in his time; would not endure immodest Satir.[310] He continues, that Poets were formerly admired for the great services they did. For teaching Matters relating to Religion, and Government; For refining the Manners, tempering the Passions, and improving the Understandings of Mankind: For making them more useful in Domestick Relations, and the publick Capacities of Life.[311] This is a demonstration that Vice was not the Inclination of the Muses in those days; and that _Horace_ beleiv'd the chief business of a _Poem_ was, to Instruct the Audience. He adds farther that the _Chorus_ ought to turn upon the Argument of the _Drama_, and support the Design of the _Acts_. That They ought to speak in Defence of Virtue, and Frugality, and show a Regard to Religion. Now from the Rule of the _Chorus_, we may conclude his Judgment for the _Play_. For as he observes, there must be a Uniformity between the _Chorus_ and the _Acts_: They must have the same View, and be all of a Piece. From hence 'tis plain that _Horace_ would have no immoral _Character_ have either Countenance or good Fortune, upon the _Stage_. If 'tis said the very mention of the _Chorus_ shews the Directions were intended for _Tragedy_. To this I answer, that the Consequence is not good. For the use of a _Chorus_ is not inconsistent with _Comedy_. The antient _Comedians_ had it. _Aristophanes_ is an Instance. I know 'tis said the _Chorus_ was left out in that they call the _New Comedy_. But I can't see the conclusiveness of this Assertion. For _Aristophanes_ his _Plutus_ is _New Comedy_ with a _Chorus_ in't.[312] And _Aristotle_ who lived after this Revolution of the _Stage_, mentions nothing of the Omission of the _Chorus_. He rather supposes its continuance by saying the _Chorus was added by the Government long after the Invention of Comedy_.[313] 'Tis true _Plautus_ and _Terence_ have none, but those before them probably might. _Moliere_ has now reviv'd them,[314] And _Horace_ might be of his Opinion, for ought wee know to the contrary. _Lastly._ _Horace_ having expresly mentioned the beginning and progress of _Comedy_, discovers himself more fully: He advises a _Poet_ to form his Work upon the Precepts of _Socrates_ and _Plato_, and the Models of Moral Philosophy. This was the way to preserve Decency, and to assign a proper Fate and Behaviour to every _Character_.[315] Now if _Horace_ would have his _Poet_ govern'd by the Maxims of Morality, he must oblige him to Sobriety of Conduct, and a just distribution of Rewards, and Punishments.