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TO HIS FRIEND THE AUTHOR, JOHN FORD; ON 'THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY', by                    
First Line: I write not to thy play: I'll not begin
Last Line: As thou hast done enough, thou canst do more.
Subject(s): Ford, John (1586-1639)


I write not to thy play: I'll not begin
To throw a censure upon what hath been
By the best approved: it can nor fear nor want
The rage or liking of the ignorant
Nor seek I fame for thee, when thine own pen
Hath forced a praise long since from knowing men.
I speak my thoughts, and wish unto the stage
A glory from thy studies; that the age
May be indebted to thee for reprieve
Of purer language, and that spite may grieve
To see itself outdone. When thou art read,
The theatre may hope arts are not dead,
Though long concealed; that poet-apes may fear
To vent their weakness, mend, or quite forbear.
This I dare promise; and keep this in store,
As thou hast done enough, thou canst do more.





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