A Refutation of the Apology for Actors And first , touching their Heathenish and Diabolicall institution .

IMpietie is then growen to its full heigth , when it once presumeth to boast of it selfe . Playes haue euer been condemned by godly Christians ; but now the impiety of Players is growen to such excesse , that they take vpon them to defende their qualitie : And that which Wise and Good men haue euer repudiated for euill , they would haue vs receiue and imprace for commodious good . Wherevpon one of them ( amongst the whole crew ) hath published An Apologie for Actors : Which no sooner it had presented it selfe vnto my view , but in derision thereof I bought it , wondring in my minde , what M. Actor could say for himselfe , to maintaine his idle Profession . But when I had perus'd it , & read it ouer , I considered , that thereby too too many credilous people might be seduced , and therefore a matter ( in some sort ) worth the answering ; and yet I perceiued such slender assertions to be alleadged in defence thereof , that I deemed it not worth the answering by any graue Senior , or learned Clarke , but rather by some single witted , and illiterat Pupill , that the victorie being gotten , might be the more glorious ; and the ouerthrow giuen , the more shamefull and infamous . Wherefore I , although ranged amongst the companie of such vnlearned Nouices , and sitting lag-tayle in the lowest Fourme of their Shoole , haue notwithstanding vndertaken to oppose and refute this Apologie , because it doth not require a better Ingene then mine owne , to batter all the Bulwarks and Fortresses therein raysed to oppugne the trueth , euer hitherto deliuered and preached against these Stagerites , and prophane spectacles presented in the Theaters , to the as prophane sights of all that goe to be spectators of them . Nor in thus doing , haue I entreated any to be a Patron and Protector of these vnripe Fruits of my weake vnderstanding , against any the callumniations of those that vndoubtedly I expect to resist my good intention ( being such onely as wallow in worldly pleasure ; or haue their mindes strictly bound thereto ) because I know all good men , rightly religiously and sinceerely disposed , and all such as with Reason shall weigh in the ballance of their sound iudgement , what I haue written in this Booke will with emulation striue , and if need be , contende who shall first patronize my worke .

And although M. Actor with all his complices and abettors , may condemne mee for an vnlearned Punie ; and withall say , that I haue but Shot my Fooles Bolt at him : Yet I am perswaded I shall not shoote in vaine , but at least-wise wound , though I doe not kill : I meane , giue his Apologie such a Blurre , that it shall not be able after neuer so much washing , to shew a cleane face againe . But in case he shall vpbraide me for my barbarisme and vnpolished Phrases voyde of all elegancie and commendable stile , which throughout my whole Treatise I shall perforce vse , being I was neuer schooled in the arts of Humanitie , nor practized in Rhethoricke & Eloquence , it skills not ; For I trust not on him , but depende on others for the equitie of the cause I vndertake , knowing , that Tructh the more naked it appeares , the more comely it presents it selfe to all men , except her Aduersaries .

And now to vse no longer , or more tedious prolocutions , I will set downe the Method , I meaue to follow in my succeding Discourse : Which is , First to refute and oppose such assertions wherewith M. Actor seemes to defend himselfe : And afterward , to aduance the truth I take in hand ; yea 'uen in the same tripartit diuision , as himselfe hath vsed in his Apologie . And so ( ad remaggrediar ) to the purpose .

A Iehoue principium .

GOD , who in the beginning , Created all thinges for his owne Glorie ; and next himselfe , for the seruice of Mankind , among other thinges hath Created many for the Recreation of mans wearied spiritcs , that after some refection , hee might the more dilengently and earnestly apply himselfe to the honest labours of his Calling . This benigne grace of the Almightie , men not content thankefully to accept of , nor moderatly to vse , they haue vnthankfully peruerted and abused ; turning the grace of God into wantonnesse : and in continuance of time by little and little , through Sathans meanes , haue deuised many vnlawfull artificiall Pleasures , whereby they might passe away ( as their name Pastimes signifie ) the most precious time of their life ( which th' Apostle exhorts Warily to redeeme , ) idlely and fruitlesse , without any profite to the Church , or Common-wealth wherein they liue , or to their owne soules , which they ought heedfully to regard : But to the corruption of their Manners , drowning all Virtues in them , and choaking vp of the good Seed of the Word , which should dwell plentifully in their heartes , and in stead thereof , sowing the Tares reaped from vngodly and obscaene Stage-playes , the most impious and pernitious of all other vnlawfull artificiall Pleasures . To the beholding of which , very many ( more is the pitrie ) quasi vi & impetu coguntur , are by the prauitie of their nature , ( addicted wholy to Pleasures ) carryed as it were with force and violence . Yea many of them in their heartes willing to consume many Patrimonies , yearely spending many poundes on these vaine representations . By which meanes , the actors of them finde such sweete gaines to maintaine their idle life , that they giue their whole industrie to various and mimicall inuentions , that they might become Men-pleasors , and those most of the prophanest condition ; and so consequently displeasers of GOD . For none can serue these two Maisters togeather , GOD and Belial . And now at last , by giuing two howers vaine Babling for as many howers gathering of Money , some of them become rich in the Common-wealth ; and withall , proud to publish vnsauorie Apologies , for their impious Seminaries of euill Manners , ( their Playes I meane , which breed such euill effectes , as hereafter euery wheare shall be shewed ) and withall exhibiting them to the patronage of most Honorable peeres , thereby doubly to deceiue them whom they haue already seduced ; That if such a one protect it , Oh 't is a worthy subiect , and to be imbraced ( of them that hate goodnesse ) and who then dare contradict it ? Yes assuredly many thousands , especially of graue and reuerend Preachers of the Word , that hate their Playes for as bad Poyson to the Minde , as the byting of a Viper to the Flesh . Whom M. Actor in the second line of his Apology most rudely calleth Seditious sectists , hauing neither regard to the vnitie which by application of the diuine Word they procure twixt man & man , & by their administrie betwixt God and man and his owne Conscience , contrary to all sedition in the world : Whom also afterwards , he giues foorth to be too Sower for Food , and too rancke for Fodder . Happily because hee , nor any of his fellowes can digest their good instructions and sacred doctrines either as Food for men , or as Fodder for such Beastes . But this first fault of his , may be pardoned , quia consuetudo est altera natura because that custome of Rayling & Backbiting vpon the Stage with his tongue , hath brought him to vse the same scurrility with his Pen.

Afterwards followes , that the Princes of this Land amongst other things haue tollerated certaine Theaters . Which is not to be denyed : but the Reason why , is to be enquired . For in like case is Vsurie , Dicing , Why Playes are tollerated . Sortilegie , &c. tollerated ; yet none approoued and allowed . Any why then are Theaters tollerated ? It is answered by Christ himselfe vpon the like occasion , in the Ghospell of S. Matthew ; where being demaunded of the Pharises , Why Moses did commaund a man to giue a Bill of Diuorcement , Matth , 19.7.8 . and put away his Wife ? Hee answered : Moses because of the hardnesse of your heartes , suffered you to put away your Wiues . And so Princes in these times , suffer ( not allow ) such enormities , for the hardnesse of their subiectes heartes ; and for no other causes .

Next ensueth his fayned dreame of the Muse Melpomine ; where by tooth and nayle he labours to shew what good the Muse vsually effecteth . Which because it toucheth the qualitie of Playes , I referre to conuince , till I enter vpon battering the Third part of his Treatise , because I will not wearie the Reader with too often repetitions , which I shall sometimes be constrained vnto . Yet somethings therein hereafter not to be touched , may not be past ouer in silence . For after the Muse had recounted all her worth , and pristine honour wherewith shee had been graced : Then peruersely doth she exclaime .

But now 's the Iron age , and Blackmouth'd Curres Barke at the virtues of the former world .

Why this is the Iron age . This age , is the Iron age indeed : and why ? Because the Magistrates throughout almost euery Cittie in the Land , by their authoritie ( represented in the Iron Sword borne before them Parcere subiectis , & debellare superbos ) doe prohibite them from entring their precincts to exercise their craftes . Whom if they admit , it 's vnwillingly through the great sute made vnto them . Whereby the hardnesse of the peoples heartes the more appeares , in that they striue freely to giue accesse for sinne to enter in and take possession of them . Besides , the honourable Citie of London hath spued them out from within her Walles , and reiected them to take vp their standing in the Remotest places of the Suburbes , or no where else within her Iurisdiction .

Next , hath the Muse , or rather M. Actor , again incurred his former lycentiousnesse , impiously belching foorth blasphemous words , calling reuerend Preachers , Blackmouth'd Curres : Because , They tax the Vices of these present times , Seeke to reclaime mens mindes i'gon astray , Mis-spending precious time , to see a Play . Next . Some , whom for their basenesse hist and scornd , The Stage as lothsome hath long since spued out .

And how comes this to passe ? But euen thus ; Sinne leaues them : Why ? because they leaue Sinne. . And so Playes leaue them , because they leaue Playes . For further answere to which , I will recite this example . That the wise Cato once went into the Theater at Rome , and presently departed foorth againe : Cato . and being demaunded why he did so ; answered . He went into the Theater only that he might be seene and knowne to goe out of it . Now let all men iudge by this answere , whether the Theater reiected him , or he the Theater .

Next , Seneca . doth M. Actor for his Muse cry out , Oh Seneca ! whom none sooner would oppose himselfe against Christian pietie . And yet I much doubt of it : For in his Epistles he wrote ; It is very dangerous to be present at such shewes . And in his first Epistle of the third Booke , he declares the dissolutnesse , disorders , and inconuenience that haue ensued thereby .

Next doth M. Actor deriue his originall of acting Playes from the first Olympiad . When in the presence of Hercules there was personated the worthy exploits of his Father Iupiter : Which wrought such impression in his minde , that in emulation of his fathers valour , he perform'd his twelue Lobours . Him Theseus followed , and Achilles Thescus , &c. To prooue this false , be it manifested that there were many Hercules : For the Author of Zenophons aequiuoca , sayth ; That the most auncient Kinges of Noble families , were still called Saturnes , their eldest Sonnes Iupiters , and their hardiest Grandchidren Hercules . Tully recounteth sixe of them : 6. Hercules . 1. Sonne of the eldest Ioue & Liscitus . 2. An Aegiptian sonne to Nilus . 3. One deified amongst the Idaeans . 4. Sonne to Astery Latona's Daughter . 5. The Indian Belus . 6. The third Iupiters Sonne by Alemena . Varro reckoneth 44. 44. Hercules . Siculus hath but three of them : 1. An Aegiptian the worthiest , 3. Hercules . made Generall of the Armie by Osyris : for strength and vallour , he trauayled most part of the World , and erected a Piller in Lybia : He liued before the second Hercules Alcmena's sonne aboue 1000. yeares . And this second Hercules , emulated him , ( not his father Iupiter ) and therefore was called Alcaeus . The third was Hercules of Crete ; a famous Souldier , institutor of the Olympian Games . This Pausanias calleth Idaeus , which is the third amongst the sixe numbred before by Tully . And this was that Hercules which triumphed as victor on Mount Olympus : the other , liued a whole Generation before his time ; to whom the ambitious , and fabulous Greekes ascribe the labours of the rest . And therefore , as he ordained not the Olympian Games , so neither was he victor of them ; for we neuer read of two Hercules on the Mount at once : Nor in the first Olympiad did he behold his Fathers warlike deeds personated before him . Wherefore this M. Actors Originall of Playes , is to be held disprooued ; and that his Hercules by probable coniecture , neuer beheld Play at all . And so as the Proposition is ouerthrowne , the Assumption of others that should imitate him , is disanuld ; and consequently the Conclusion cleane conuinced : and further yet for vnsoundnesse , to be confounded . For where he sayth , It may be imagined had Achilles neuer liued , Alexander had neuer conquored the World ; Hee is condemned euen by Alexanders owne wordes : For when he went against Ierusalem , and that Iaddus the High Priest and the Leuites met with him in their Priestly roabes , shewing him the Vision of God by Daniel concerning the Greekish Monarchie ouer the world : It is recorded that he answered . And this great God by a Vision in my sleepe encouraged mee to vndertake this weighty enterprize . Alexanders Vision . So that not the life of Achilles acted before him , but the Diuine Vision prickt him forwards to the performance of his atchiuements . Other things follow , which belonging to the quality of Playes , I transferre to handle till the latter part of my Treatise , where with other matters together they are to be confuted . But the next proofe of Antiquity for Stage-Playes by M Actor alleadged , is out of Ouids works . That Playes were first instituted in Rome by Romulus ; which to bee such as Stage-Playes are , can neuer be affirmed , but to the contrary . For the Apologist himselfe doth alleadge , that the patterne of the first Theater in Rome was brought from Athens , which Act was after the expulsion of their Kings .

To shew then to others ( for M Actor himselfe knoweth it ) what Playes they were , Romulus his scircensian Playes . They were Circensian Playes , such as were kept vpon Olympus Mount , to proue the warlike actiuenesse of their Youth , in running , leaping , sword-playing , and the like . And Circenses they were called , because the place was encompassed with swords , of Circa and Ensis , as saith Seruius . For the Antiquity hauing not yet ordayned fit places wherein to exercise their Youth , practized them betwixt a riuer side and a ranke of swords , that the Idle might see danger on both sides . Afterwards Tarquinius Priscus appoynted a Ring for them , that the people might stand round , ( as wee make a ring for Wrastlers in More-fields ) which was called Circus maximus . And euery yeere once , saith Liuy , were these Games celebrated , being diuersly named , as Magni & Romani , & Circenses . Next doth M. Actor ground himselfe vpon his very probable and important argument ( as he termes it . Viz. That in the time when Theaters most flourished at Rome , Christ and his Apostles soiourned on the earth : yet neither in their Sermons , Bookes , Acts or Documents , haue they so much as named or touched them , but were content to passe them ouer . Manifestly false ; For it is a poynt to bee held , and knowne it is for a truth , that some sinnes there are which neuer were mentioned in holy write in specie : and shall wee say then such are no sinnes ? Nay , some sinnes are in the Scriptures vnspoken of , which many most learned men are of opinion , that they ought not to be publickly handled : That the rather being vnknowne , the hardnesse of mens hearts should not moue them to the committing of such enormities , if knowne they were . This were enough to conuince and refute M. Actors important argument , but it shall not suffice ; For it is euen poynted at with the finger both in the olde and in the new Testament . In the old , Moses setteth downe an euerlasting morall Law , both for the present and future times , Deut 18.9 . where hee warneth the Israelites , Prooses of Scipture aga●nst Playes . that they should not learne to doe after the abhomination of the Gentiles . And what abhomination was afterward more rife among the Nations , then Playes presented in honour of their Idols . And in the new Testament , S. Paul 1. Cor chap 8. commandeth the Corinthians , that they should abstaine from feasting in Idols Temples , and from things consecrate to Idols . And Acts 15.20 . Write vnto them , that they abstaine themselues from filthinesse of Idols . And Vers. 29. That they abstaine themselues from things offered to Idols . Now what was offered and consecrated to the honour of the Idoll Gods or Diuels , more then Playes ? And what filthinesse of Idols should they more auoid then Playes , which the more obscene and scurrilous they were presented , the better pleased they the Diuels which commanded such solemnities to be kept , as shall be declared hereafter : wherein maybe espied the Diuels drift in instituting of them , that through their obscenity he might corrupt the Gentiles manners .

Next doth M. Actor obiect , that GOD hath created sundry things for delight : as Iewels , Dainties , and Delicates to be moderately vsed , the Hare to be hunted , the Stagge to be chased , &c. All this I denie not . Yet shall hee neuer make me beleeue that GOD did euer allow of Iuglers and Sortilegers , often spoken against by Moses , nor of Iesters , Vices , and Players , which are all of a crue .

Next doth M. Actor affirme , hee could neuer yet reade any History of any Common-wealth which did not thriue and prosper whilst these publicke solemnities were had in odoration . Heere doth hee seeke to blindfolde the world , and leade vs hoodwinckt in a most palpable errour . As though partly Playes vpheld the slate of a Common-weale , and not rather Vertue cleane opposite against them . But although the Apologist hath produced no example to confirme his allegation , yet will I recite worthy memorials to the contrary . Rome's Common-wealth which in glory surpassed all other , in those times when Theaters most flourished , then was most pitteously rent and torne . For a while after the institution of Stage-playes , ensued those most lamentable ciuill warres that were the ouerthrow of the Cities state , as I will now declare

The fall of Romes Common wealth . L. Sylla , and Marius , two mighty Citizens , through their ambition enuied each other so maliciously , that their priuate hatred grew into publicke factions . And at last their discord was so great , that they fought a set battaile at Porte Esquiline . Where Marius being put to the worst , fled into Africa . Marius thus ouercome , Sylla going to warre vpon Mithridates , left Cinna , and Octauius Consulles in the Cittie . But Cinna desirous of innouasion , seuered himselfe from his fellow , and was chased out of the Cittie by him , and his faction . Which iniurie Cinna endeauouring to reuenge , called backe Marius out of Africa . And he now maketh bloudie warres vpon his Country , and entring it with his angry forces , and mighty powers , butchered vp numbers in euery corner of the Cittie , charging his Souldiers , that to whom so euer he returned not the salute , they should immediatly dispatch him : by which meanes an innumerable company , noble and ignoble were slaughtered . And then in his seauenth consulship he died . Soone after came Sylla out of Asia , and rooted out Marius his sonne , and all the whole faction of them vtterly . And then tooke he vpon him the perpetuall Dictator-ship : wherein hee proscribed many thousands of the Romane Citizens with outragious cruelty , that they all thought Marius a meeke Lambe , in respect of him , though during his superiority , he tyranized with vnsufferable cruelty and insolence . So that betweene both , the whole Cittie , Streetes , Market-places , Temples , and Theaters themselues , were filled with dead carkasses . These mens factions , afterwards Pompey and Caesar tooke vp a fresh . Pompey could endure no equall ; and Caesar no superiour . So that most cruell and deadly warres arose betweene them . And at length , Caesar getting the vpper hand , createth himselfe perpetuall Dictator , bringeth the whole Empire vnder his owne subiection , & reduceth the Common-wealth into a Monarchy . And thus whiles Theaters flourished , and Stage playes were presented in greatest pompe , is the most flourishing estate of the Romane Common-wealth brought into a Monarchy . To this ensample many more might be added , and yet M. Actor could neuer reade of any such History . One more I will exhibite and so cease .

The fall of Caesars Monarchie . Agrippina the mother of Nero , and Seneca his Tutor , both ambitious of gouernment , perswaded Nero in the minority of his age , to take his pleasures , and leaue vnto them the charge and paine of the publicke affaires of the Empire , thinking that the fury of his youth would ware away with fond delights , and that wisedome would encrease with age , in meane time , that they would better gouerne then hee . Of his opinion was Burrus a singular person , and next to Seneca in the waighty causes of gouernment . Now therefore Nero giues himselfe to all licentiousnesse : now magnificent Theaters are erected , and Stage-playes instituted : now the Poets pennes are set on worke , Tragedians and Comedians are busily occupied : now all these flourish more then before , or afterwards they euer did . Now Nero becommeth a Sword-player , and chaser of wilde beasts vpon the Theater , and thereby commeth to bee butcherous and bloudie minded ; afterward a murtherer and a manqueller . Now Nero acteth cruell Tragedies and scurrilous Comedies in his owne person ; and thereby learneth to act all dissolutenesse , and performe whatsoeuer mischiefe could be deuised : For , Quo semel est imbutarecens seruabit odorem — Testa .

Here had so seasoned himselfe in those former euils , and therewith was drawne to such a meruailous corruption , that now he gaddeth about the streetes in the euenings ; he and his flattering companions sets vpon many Innocents he meetes withall , and outragiously perpetrateth horrible facts , beastlinesse , and detestable murthers . In the meane time , for the space of fiue yeeres , Seneca & Agrippina gouerned the Empire indifferently . Howbeit , because Agrippina tooke vpon her to rule all alone after her owne appetite , these two , Seneca and Burrus , tooke order out of hand , that the Emperour should withdraw the gouernment from her , and assume it to himselfe . But as wise as they were , yet were they greatly deceiued , in that they thought Nero would become wise in age , by passing his youth in folly ; for it hapned cleane contrary , and hee became a most wicked and cruell Tyrant : So that at last , hauing done innumerable mischiefes against one or other , great and small , as his fancieled him , Seneca began to doubt least the like might happen to himselfe . And it came to passe , that Nero's cruelties , and oppressions , so wonne him the euill will of all his Subiects , as they one after another reuolted from his obeysance . Whereupon Burrus , Ruffus , Sulpitius , and Flauius his greatest minions , entring into the like feare , conspired against him ; but they were discouered and condemned . Yet before they were executed , Nero would needes conferre with Sulpitius and Flauius . And after hee had demaunded of Sulpitius , wherefore hee had broken his oath , and conspir'd against him , he asked the like of Flauius also ; who answered , I haue loued , and hated thee Nero , aboue any man in the world : Conspiracie against Nero , and why . Loued thee , as long as there was any hope thou wouldest become a good Prince : but when I saw thee become a Manqueller , a Murtherer , a Tragedian , a Player of Enterludes , a Fencer , and a Towne-burner , I could not but hate thee extreamely .

Here is euidently to be seene the effects of these Theaters , how it made Nero to be hated of his dearest friends . Whose answeres though they astonied him to heare , yet in steed of amendment , he addicted himselfe to farre worse enormities then before . So that behold Vindex his Lieutenant generall in Gaul , reuolted from him : Wherewith though the losse were not small , yet was not Nero much troubled . But when hee vnderstood that his olde Captaine Galba President of Spaine , was reuolted , then too late hee feared his owne ruine . And now began the Empire sodainly to bee rent in sunder , for almost euery Gouernour ceased their Prouinces into their owne hands . Then doth Galba hasten vnto Rome to dispatch the Tyrant : who in the end , being abandoned of euery one , euen those of his owne guard , fled and hid himselfe within a little Lodge in the Fields ; where fearing to be taken aliue , hee kild himselfe . And after this sort was the blood of the Caesars extinguished , and no more Emperours by lawfull succession . For the pretorian cohorts became so dissolute in Nero's raigne , that both they and the other Souldiers tooke vpon them to create Emperours at their pleasure : Whereby the Empire oftentimes was miserably dismembred by sundry Tyrants at once by them arected . And thus to conclude , whiles Playes were had in greatest honour , by the corruption of manners that proceeded from them , was the Romane Common-wealth changed into a Monarchie , and the Monarchie afterwards into Tyrannicall gouernement .

Next , doth M. Actor with great contumely scandalize the good Emperour Marcus Aurilius , calling him Cynick , and vnfit for gouernment . In meane while , condemning the vse of Comedies , which so cynically ( as him selfe would haue it ) barke at al follies : And likewise obnubilating his worthinesse , for whose loue , who banished Players , the people made them all Statues in his memoriall ; which they vouchsafed for no other Emperour , no not for Augustus him selfe , whom the Apologist affirmes to be greatest patron of Poets and Players in his time . Nor did that good Emperour interdict the vse of Theaters , because the wanton Dames of Rome made a Play of him ; but because of the great folly they wrought , & the corruption of goodnesse which they brought into Rome , as shall further hereaster appeare in a Letter of his , written to Lambertus Gouernour of Hellespont , when he sent him three Shippes of Iesters and Players , wishing to haue but one Barke of Wise men in returne of his aduenture . Nor did hee banish Sword-players for other cause , then the pestilence of minde wherewith the people by bloody spectacls might be infected , to the perpetrating of any butcherous attempt : not that himselfe was a coward ; for he twice triumphed : once when hee ouercame the Parthians ; and once when h conquered the Argonauts , and died in conquering the Realme of Hungary .

Next , doth M. Actor looke backe from Italy into Greece , declaring that the Princes and Sages thereof , being those which were the first vnderstanders , trained vp their youthfull Nobilitie to be Actors , debarring the Mechanicks such imployment . In which , is diuers things to be noted , & refuted : First , that not all Greece is to be vnderstood , for Sparta is to be exempted as reiecting such abuses . Secondly , how doth he derogate from the glory of the Hebrewes , when heriportes that the Grecians were the first Vnderstanders , whereas it is euident by all History , the Grecians not the first wise men . the Grecians receiued their knowledg from the Aegiptians , and Chaldocans , and they from the Hebrewes . But if erecting of Playes were such an act , that it were worthy the first vnderstanders to performe , how then chanced it the Hebrewes did it not ? among whom we neuer read Stage-playes to be solemnized , and therefore neuer spoken of , nor taxed in specie by the Prophets in their bookes . Thirdly it may bee demaunded why the Grecians prohibited the baser sort from such imployment . Surely I know not , except their mechanicks were , and they also desired they should be , of honester life and behauiour then their nobility . According to that speech of Aemilius probus treating of the Greekish fashions , In those Countries ( saith hee ) it s no disgrace for any man ( heere M. Actor is found tripping for debarring mechanicks ) to come vpon the Stage , to set himselfe as aspectacle to the people : which we hold for partly infamous , and partly base and vnworthy of an honest man .

Next doth M. Actor shew why the Grecians admitted Playes . Which because it toucheth the vse of Playes I will leaue , perticulerly to handle it in my Third treatise .

Next followes that through Poets and Actors the Grecians excelled in Ciuilitie and gouernment , so that other nations borrowed their lawes of them . The Romans indeed sent to take a patterne of the Athenian lawes , and withall a while after erected a Theater , after the patterne of the Atherian : and a while after this againe ; the lawes of Athens furthered them not to Ciuilitie so much , as by the induction of Playes they fell into dissolutenesse . Through which all things ranne into disorder , and Ciuilitie laid aside , inhumanitie sprang vp insteed thereof . For then presently followed the wars they had against their own slaues , & sword-players , Then ensued , as I said before , the Factions of Sylla and Marius , and after that betweene Caesar and Pompey , the end whereof was the vtter subuersion of their common wealth . And now , if through Stage-playes the Grecians learned Ciuilitie , & good gouernment , how could it otherwise be , but that the Romanes hauing both their lawes and theaters , should also excell in Ciuilitie , ( for from the same causes proceede the same efiects . ) and not that a while after through the Grecian institutions , they should learne insteed of good manners , corruption ; insteed of concord , faction ; and all kind of disorder , Playes profited not the Grecians to ciuilitie . insteed of reformation . Therefore as Playes did not benefit the Romanes , so neither could they profit the Grecians . Whereby wee may perceaue how M. Actor to blind his readers mind , would faine impose more vpon the worth of theaters , then possibly could be intended . And yet doth he confesse , that those times of the Grecians was but the childhood and infancy of the world , very fitly ; For indeed it was but their foolish thought , and childish opinion , that Playes was the readiest way to plant vnderstanding in the ignorant , whereas in the riper , and now old age of the world , most men haue receiued a true intellect , to the contrary , except such onely as remaine children still .

Next M. Actor would faine seeme to shorten the extent of the Text and expresse commandement of God in Deuteronomic . 22.5 . The woman shall not weare that which appertaineth to the man ; neither shall a man put on womans raiment . Where although the Law is indifferently to be vnderstood of both Sexes , yet more strictly concerning the man , that he should not so much as put on womans raiment . A very impudent and common abuse in playes it is , though M. Actor would willingly dawbe ouer the meaning of the Scripture , as though that consisted in the like figuratiue sence , as the words of sacramentall consecration elsewhere doe . Whereas there is as much difference betweene that trope and these plaine words , as betweene a Rope and a Player . And although Playes are not immediately meant in the Text , because in that time there was none in Israel , nay nor during the whole time , wherein the Church of GOD was planted among the Hebrewes , was such vanities knowne among them : yet doth it immediately point at this abuse of wearing womens apparell , ( vsed in Playes , ) flatly forbidding it .

Next M. Actor affirmes , that the Vniuersities sometime institute Stage-playes : more is the pittie , that the most famous lights of learning in the world should bee branded with infamie , through the meanes of some phantasticals which are in them . Wherefore admit they doe : Who make and act plaies in the Vniuersities . who them most commonly doe compose their Playes ? Idle braines , that affect not their better studies . Who are the Actors ? Gentle-bloods , and lusty swash-bucklers , such as prefer an ounce of vaine-glorie , ostentation , and strutting on the Stage , before a pound of learning ; and are sent to the Vniuersities , not so much to obtaine knowledge , as to keepe them from the common ryot of Gentlemen in these daies : like little children whom their parents sent to schoole , the rather to keep them from vnder horses feet in the streets , which carefull mothers doe so greatly feare . And who are the spectators ? but such like as both Poets and Actors are , euen such as reckon no more of their studies , then spend-all Gentlemen of their cast sutes .

But what followes in the Apology ? These Playes embolden the Iunior schollers against they come to read the pub-like Lecture of Dialect , Ethick , Mathematick , Phisick and Metaphisick . And why not among these the Diuinitie Lecture ? because certainely no such prophane , and light headed persons may bee admitted to it , and because according to the saying of Pope Panl 2. and Adrian 6. they are to bee held as enemies to true Religion .

For Plaies as saith the Apologyst makes a bold Sophister , that is plainely , a too cunning , or false reasoner , to knit preposterous and intertangled syllogismes , obscure Sorites , Aenigmaticall Crocodilites , and forke-horned Dilemma's to ensnare and obnubilate the truth : as now M. Actor himselfe faine would doe .

Next follows Playes especiall vse for Rhetorick . Rhetorica est ars bone dicendi . Rhetorick is an Art of speaking well . And Playes in th' Apologie instruct to speake well . Playes vse for Rhetorick consuted . Surely M. Actor would be esteemed for a Rhetorician , and haue Plaies become one of the seuen liberall Arts : but his drift is not driuen home enough . For vltra posse , non est esse . Who euer of the ancient Orators , Greekes , or Latins , learned to speake well from a Play ? Did Demosthenes learne his Science from a Stage ? Did Cicero learne his Oratory from a Theater ? Why doe not our Diuine Orators schoole themselues by Playes , thereby to learne Rhetorick , so necessary in their Sennons ? But they know well , that Playes are a fictiue Art , and not a liberall Science : they know well that Rhetorick graceth Playes by the instruction it giues , for breathing spaces , distinctions , and good deliuery of words , and not that poesie and Playes euer gaue that facultie to Rhetorick . For the first arts giue light vnto the arts succeeding . And Rhetorick was long found out before possie . For no sooner had God giuen to men language in the beginning , but that presently expetience taught them , how aptly to apply their words , how to perswade , and diswade , how to exhort , discourage , animate , praise or dispraise , defend , confute , extenuate and aggrauate any matter , and consequently how to rise and fall with the voice , to stop , to breath , distinguish , interrogate , and to obserue all other elegancie of speech .

Next , and last of all doth M. Actor euen as in the very beginning , so in the later ending of his first Booke , callumniate those worthy and Reuerend Preachers , that in their godly Sermons , out of conscience are studious to suppresse these obscaene and filthy Stage-playes . And I , as in the beginning , must reprehend and reproue him therefore . That out of the custome of malicious Comedian detrectation on the Stage , and not of conscience and reason hee doth so reuile them .

Now haue I runne ouer the chiefe points and arguments , of the first Treatise of M. Actors Apologie , confuting some things , and disprouing other : wherein this one thing yet is to bee noted ; That the very subiect of Actors Antiquity , both for their Originall and first Induction into Rome , Antiquitas ●●n veritate est antiquus error . is yet more narrowly to be inuestigated . For neither Hercules at the first Olympiad beheld his Father Iupiters Acts personated before him , for that , that Hercules , which ordained the Olympian games , was not Iupiters Sonne , and two Hercules we neuer read to haue beene present at these games at once : neither did Romulus first institute Stage-plaies at Rome , but as I said before , Circensian games , euen such as were vsed in the Olympiads , to exercise their youth withall : as running , riding , leaping , tourncying , sword-playing , coursing with Chariots , and the like . Wherefore to doe M. Actor an ouerthwart kindnesse , I will out of sundry Authors declare both their Originall , and when , and by what meanes , and by whose , they first came into Rome . After which , with some few notes and obseruations , I will finish this first part of my Discourse .

The Originall of Playes . The old Husbandmen of Greece , vsing euery yeare to sacrifice to Bacchus for their fruits : First vsed in stead of Prayers , to sing something at putting the fire to the Altars . And then to please his Deity the better , they sung ouer all his victories , warres , conquests , and captiuation of Kings . For reward of which their paines , a Goat was first appointed , or the skinne of a Goat full of Wine . But because the Kings that Bacchus had conquered ; affoorded not matter enough for their yearely songs , they fell in hand with the calamities of other Kings , and sung much of them . And this song was called a Tragedy : either of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Goate , which they offered to Bacchus as an enemy to the Vines , or which was the reward of the singers ; or of the Wine leese with which they besmeared their faces , ( before that Aeschilus deuised vizors for them ) called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Some will haue the Comedie to haue had the Originall from these Sacrifices also . Others from the solemnities of Apollo Nomius , the Guardian of Shepheards and Villages . Some say , that both these Sacrifices were celebrated at once . Following which , the most common opinion is thus . When the Athenians liued as yet in dispersed Cotages ( Theseus hauing not yet reduced them to Cittie ) the Husbandmen vsed after their Sacrifices , to breake iests vpon such as were present , and such as trauailed by chance that way : and by these mirthfull scoffes delighted all the companie . Now , after that the Citty was builded , the Husbandmen at the time appointed for the solemnities , came into the Towne in Carts , and iested one while at their Fellowes , and another while at the Cittizens , cheefely such as had offended them . And this was called a Comedie : either of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a village , because they liued in such , or of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a way , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be saucy , or to reuell , because they were profuse , and spared no man in the way with their petulant quips . And this is rather the true deriuation ; for as Lod. Viues saith , the Athenians as then did not call their Villages 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This custome pleased the Cittizens , and made them animate these of the prompter wit , to write more exactly in this kind of verse . Now the Cittie Poets at first taxed the vices of the Cittizens with bitternes , but afterwards when they began to follow their owne affects , and their friends , excercising their grudges with sharpnes , and vsing their pens for their weapons , they would sometime traduce Princes that neuer had deserued any such matter , and euen name them . Which tricke when Eupolis had plaied with Alcibiades , in his Comedie called Baptis , he caused him to bee taken and throwne into the Sea , saying these words : Thou hast often drowned mee vpon the Stage , Eupolis , I will once drowne thee in the Sea . By which example the rest of the Poets were so terrified , that Alcibiades got a law past , that none should dare to name any man vpon the Stage . So that kind of Comedie called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , the old Comedie was abolished . Then came in the second kind ; wherein many were girded at priuy suppressing of Names vnder colours . And this the Nobilitie fell in dislike withall , least their facts should be glanced at vnder-hand . So that was taken quite away , and a new kind inuented ; which treated of meaner persons vnder change of names , wherein was more moderation in their taxation . These kinds were all in Greece .

But for the time of Stage-playes first entrance into Rome , by what meanes , and by whom they were first induced , it followeth thus . In the 400 yeare , or thereabout , of Romes foundation , there was such a sore plague in the Cittie , that they determined not to number the thousands which were dead , but the few that remained yet aliue . And then their Gods ( which the holy Scriptures sheweth to be Deuils ) for the asswaging of the Pestilence , Playes first instituted in Rome by the commaund of Deuils . that seised on their bodies , and for the augmentation of their Religion ; commaunded an institution of Stage-playes presently to bee effected in their Honors , and annexed to the celebration of their Sacrifices . And yet that bodily Pestilence did not cease , because that delicate vanity of Stage-playes entred into the cares of the people , which were then wholy giuen to warres , and accustomed onely to the Circensian games . For Liuce in his seauenth Booke , saith : This first institution of Playes for augmentation of Religion , did neither augment Religion in their minds , nor diminish the Pestilence in their bodies . But the wily Deuils knowing by naturall reason , that the plague should once haue an end , and beeing not satisfied that they had already infected Greece , but they would also corrupt Rome , and by her , afterwards all the world : by this meanes tooke occasion to thrust a farre worse plague , not into their bodies , but into their manners , saith Saint Augustine , in corrupting of which lyeth all their ioy . And surely the Deuill would neuer haue instituted Playes , but that he knew they were , and would bee beneficiall to his Kingdome .

One example or authority more I will produce to confirme this , that the Celebration of Playes was by commandement to pacifie their Gods . Tully ( in Verrem , Acti● 6. ) being made Aedile , cryes out in the cares of the Cittie ; I must needs present the most sacred Playes and Ceremoniall solemnities vnto Ceres , Liber , and Proserpina : then I must reconcile Mother Flora vnto the Citty and people of Rome , with the celebration of her enterludes . By this its euident , that these vanities were not first brought vp in Rome by the corruptions of men , but by the direct commandement of Idoldeuils And then arose the Comedie wherein they cast forth fluttish Phrases , and bitter Quips . And this they did interchangeably in verses , called Fescenini , of such a Cittie in Hetruria , from whence they had their first Players , and named them Histriones in the language of that Country . In their taxations they neuer durst name any ; for that was expresly forbidden in their Law of the twelue Tables . But these Fescenine vses wore out of the Playes by little and little : and being it was not allowable to traduce any man by name vpon the State , there sprang vp diuers sorts of these playing Fables in Italy , euen as there did in Greece ; as the New Comedie and the Satyr : not that which taxeth Vices , and is bound to that one kinde of Verse vsed by Horace , Persius , and Iuuenal , but that wherein the Satyrs were brought in , in a sluttish and opprobrious manner ; as in hairy Coats , heauy paced , and altogether vnbandsome and slouenly . The first true Comedy in Lattine Verse ( as M. Actor alledgeth ) was written by La●ius Andronicus , Solinater's freed Seruant , after Rome was buildediust 540. yeares , the first Carthagenian warre being ended some few yeares before , as Atticus doth account the time .

But to conclude this Discourse , there were foure cheefe sorts of Stage-Playes among the Romaines . Comedies , Tragedies , Satyrs , and Mimick's , otherwise called Pla●ipeder or plaine-feete , wearing neither shooes nor buskins , but comming bare-foote vpon the Stage . The Satyrs notwithstanding and the Mimicks , are both included vnder the Comedie . The Tragedie discourseth of lamentable fortunes , extream affects , horrible villanies , rapines , murthers , spoils , tyrannies , and the like . The Comedie treats of Fables , dishonesties , all kinde of knaueries and trickes of wanton Loue , ( the impious subiects of these playes would make one hate them ) beeing brought into it by Menander , to please the Macedonians that stood affected in such passages .

The Satyr containeth the looser Faunes and Siluanes , whose Rusticall Iests delight much . But as they were vncleanly and slouenly , soe were their speeches very foule and dishonest to heare . The Mimicks forbare no beastlines , but vsed extreame licentiousnesse ; And yet were these more tollerable then other thinges acted in the solemnities of Bacchus , which after for their incredible villany and filthinesse , were expelled out of Italy by a decree of the Senate . The Saturnalia and Floralia were two other kind of Playes celebrated by common Strumpets , and the most raskally sort of all men . The Actors of the Floralia though they reuerenced not their owne Gods , yet when Cato came , they would not for shame act any thing in his presence .

I feare me I haue beene too tedious ; yet haue I continued my discourse , that I might declare concerning Playes and their originall somewhat to the full . Out of which precedent discourse some thinges are yet to bee noted , and lightly touched at againe .

First concerning their Originall , that they were first instituted amongst the fabulous Heathen Greekes ( the peruerters of all Diuine knowledge ) in honour of their Diuell-Gods . And that the Comedies tooke their matter and subiect from enuious iesting and scoffing ( practised now in our enterludes ) strictly forbidden by the Apostle . Ephes. 5.4 . and 4.31 .

Secondly , that their first induction into Rome was by the commandement of these Diuell-Gods . For which cause it selfe , as thinges the Diuell most delighted in , all professing the name of Christians should detest .

Lastly that the Actors and Poets were driuen to post from one kind of Play to another , because they were euer in dislike and because their licentiousnesse euer grew to bee such and so great , ( as theirs among vs now is ) that it was not tollerable .

Nec parcit cuiquam vestrae petulantia linguae , Quid mirum si vos eadem quoque , fulmina tangunt ? The end of the First Book .