d
_Tragedy_ is all the Remedy they are capable of receiving any advantage
from; for it is the only Recreation in which they can find the agreeable
and Profitable.

_Tragedy_ does not only represent the Punishments, which voluntary Crimes
always draw on their Authors, these are too common, and well known
Truths, and leave too much liberty to our Passions; this is the meanest
sort of _Tragedy_: But it sets forth the misfortunes which even in
voluntary Crimes, and those committed by Imprudence, draw on such as we
are, and this is perfect _Tragedy_. It instructs us to stand on our
guard, to refine and moderate our Passions, which alone occasion'd the
loss of those unfortunate ones. Thus the aspiring may learn to give
bounds to his Ambition; the Prophane to fear God; the Malicious to
forget his Wrongs; the Passionate to restrain his Anger; the Tyrant to
forsake his Violence and Injustice, _&c._ Those idle and infirm Men, who
are not able to bear the Yoak of Religion, and have need of a grosser
sort of Instruction, which falls under the Senses, can never have more
profitable amusements; 'twere to be wish'd, that they would renounce all
other Pleasures, and love this only. If any shall now condemn _Tragedy_,
he must also condemn the use of Fables, which the most Holy Men have
employ'd, and God himself has vouchsaf't to make use of: For _Tragedy_
is only a Fable, and was invented as a Fable, to form the Manners, by
Instructions, disguis'd under the Allegory of an Action. He must also
condemn History; for History is much less Grave and Moral than Fable,
insomuch as 'tis particular, when a Fable is more general, and
universal, and by consequence more profitable.

We may say too, that the only Aim of true Politicks, is to procure to
the People Virtue, Peace and Pleasure, this Design cannot be contrary to
Religion, because we chuse none of those Pleasures which destroy Virtue,
or Peace. _Tragedy_ is far from it, and endeavours only their
preservation; for 'tis the only Pleasure, which disposes Men to endure
their Passions, to a perfect Mediocrity, which contributes more to the
maintaining of Peace, and acquisition of Virtue, than any thing else; I
also believe that from this Truth, we might draw a sure Rule to judge of
those Pleasures which might be permitted, and those which ought to be
forbidden.

You may say, _Tragedy_ is dangerous, by reason of the abuses which
creep into it. Every Thing is dangerous, and may be condemn'd at