ns which I made were in the first Act, in removing
that old bustle about _Whigg_ and _Tory_, (which was the Subject of most
of the Second Scene) and placing the Character of a _Rake-hell_ in its
room, which was so little, that it could not Influence a more Capricious
Audience, to the Damning of the whole. There might indeed be some
objections about the Plot, but not very Rational, I think; I'm sure, at
least, 'tis the first Play, for some Years, could be quarrell'd at for
having too much Plot. In the Edition however I have put in a great deal,
which the length of the Play oblig'd me to cut out for the Action.

Here, Sir, if the Play had been my own, I should have complain'd that
the Town had its favourite Fools, as well as favourite Wits, and that
Comedy or Farce from any other hand wou'd no more go down with them,
than their favourites will with true Judges that read, not see 'em.
I should have had indignation enough, perhaps, to've rail'd at the
Criticks of all Degrees, and Denominations of Box and Pit, nay,
Galleries too, and told 'em that they were so conceited of their own
Wit, that they cou'd take no pleasure in hearing that of another, or
that Wit in a Play seeming to affront the Parts of the Audience, they
suffer'd their Resentment to destroy their Satisfaction. This, and a
great many other Satyrical Reflections, which are natural for a
Disappointed Poet to make, I shou'd then have vented; but being
satisfy'd, that the Reputation of Mrs. BEHN is not affected by the
malicious Endeavours of some of my Enemies, I now present it under your
Patronage, Sir, to the more competent Judges; Proud of the Opportunity
of Offering you an occasion of so agreeable a Province, as the
Protection of the unfortunate, and letting the World know how much I am,
Sir,

Your Humble Servant,

_CH. GILDON._

THE YOUNGER BROTHER;

or, The Amorous Jilt.

PROLOGUE,

By an unknown Hand.

Spoke by Mr. _Powell_.

As Rivals of each other jealous prove,
And both strive which shall gain the Lady's Love,
So we for your Affections daily vie:
Not an Intriguer in the Gallery
(Who squeezes hand of _Phillis_ mask'd, that stood
Ogling for Sale, in Velvet Scarf and Hood)
Can with more Passion his dear Nymph pursue,
Than we to make Diversion fit for you.
Grant we may please, and we've our utmost Aim,
'Tis to your Favour only we lay claim.
In what can we oblige? Cou'd we present you
With Mistress y