_Shar._ Well I believe this Affair is over for tonight; and upon my Word, I am heartily glad of it, for I have been in very sweating Circumstances ever since it began, but especially since Sir Isaac came to Life. I was afraid that single incident would have damned our whole Intrigue; but thanks to the Gentlemen of the Gown, I now begin to have some hopes we shall succeed. I have done my Master's Business completely, and as Executors go, I do not think that I have been too partial to myself--I believe there are several honest Gentlemen who walk the 'Change and go to Church constantly [who] would have thought they acted very generously if they had given Bellair even an equal Dividend--but I beg Pardon--you are to judge, not I, and unless you approve the Deed, I shall denounce my Share of the Legacy. _For should our Will in Westminster be tried The Right, I fear, would fall on t'other side. Here you are absolute; confirm my Cause. If you approve--a Figg for Courts and Laws!_ FINIS THE NEW PLAY CRITICIZED: OR THE PLAGUE OF ENVY[5] PROLOGUE[6] Of all good Printing it is hardest sure To form a perfect Piece in Miniature. The Genius and the Pencil when confined Cramp both the Painter's Hand and Poet's Mind. Let then the Author claim a kinder Fate Whose Compass little,--yet his Subject great. Thus for our Petit Piece we crave your Favour, And if she bear one Sketch of Nature, save her-- _Let not your Wrath against the Author rise, If he to Flight presumes to criticize. Our humble Wren attempts to mount and sing, Beneath the Shelter of his Eagle's Wing._