Our poet, when first he bent his mind to write, thought that he undertook no more than to compose Comedies which should please the people. But he finds himself not a little deceived; and is compelled to waste his time in making Prologues; not to narrate the plot of his play, but to answer the snarling malice of an older poet[57]. And now, I pray you, Sirs, observe what they object against our Author: Menander wrote the [58]Andrian and Perinthian: he who knows one of them knows both, their plots are so very similar; but they are different in dialogue, and in style. He confesses that whatever seemed suitable to the Andrian, he borrowed from the Perinthian, and used as his own: and this, forsooth, these railers carp at, and argue against him that Comedies thus mixed are good for nothing. But, in attempting to shew their wit, they prove their folly: since, in censuring him, they censure Nævius, Plautus[59], Ennius, who have given our author a precedent for what he has done: and whose careless ease he would much rather imitate than their obscure correctness. But henceforth let them be silent, and cease to rail; or I give them warning, they shall hear their own faults published. And now deign to favour the play with your attention; and give it an impartial hearing, that you may know what is in future to be expected from the poet, and whether the Comedies that he may write hereafter, will be worthy to be accepted, or to be rejected by you. THE ANDRIAN. ACT I. SCENE I. SIMO, SOSIA, _and Slaves, carrying Provisions_. _Simo._ [60]Carry in those things, directly. (_Exeunt Slaves._) Do you come hither Sosia; I have something to say to you. _Sosia._ You mean, I suppose, that I should take care that these provisions are properly drest. _Simo._ No; it’s quite another matter. _Sosia._ In what else can my skill be of any service? _Simo._ There is no need of your skill in the management of the affair I am now engaged in; all that I require of you is faithfulness and secrecy; qualities I know you to possess. _Sosia._ I long to hear your commands. _Simo._ You well know, Sosia, that from the time when I first bought you as my slave;[61] even from your childhood until the present moment; I have been a just and gentle master: you served me with a free spirit; and I gave you freedom; [62]as the greatest reward in my power to bestow. _Sosia._ Believe me, Sir, I have not forgotten it. _Simo._ Nor have you given me any cause to repent that I did so.[63] _Sosia._ I am very glad, Simo, that my past, and present conduct has been pleasing to you; and I am grateful for your goodness in receiving my poor services so favourably: but it pains me to be thus reminded of the benefits you have conferred upon me, as it seems to upbraid me with having forgotten them.[64] Pray, Sir, let me request to know your will at once.