Fatal friendship a tragedy, as it is acted at the New-Theatre in Little-Lincolns-Inn-Fields.

To my much Esteemed Friend On her PLAY call'd FATAL-FRIENDSHIP.

WIth what Concern I sat and heard your Play, None else can Iudge, but such a Friend sure may. The Indian Mother cou'd not feel more pain, Whose Newborn Babe's thrown headlong in the Main, To prove him lawful: at whose welcome Rise (Her fears disperst) Ioy gushes at her Eyes. Were I but Iudge enough I'd do thee Right, Though yet much more, I want Poetick flight, And 'twere his folly to repeat a new Who light a Taper the bright Sun to shew, Shou' •• I attempt your Praise, but as a Friend, ••' Express my thoughts, is all that I Intend. Your fable's clear, no rule you have transgrest, Chast all your thoughts, yet Nature still expres••, Your numbers flow, as if the Muses all Consulted nothing, but their Rise, and fall, Your Characters are just, and with such art Your Passions rais'd, they gain th' unwary heart, And what you feign, effectually Create, Who was unmov'd, at sad Felicia's Fate? Scarce cou'd the stubbornest deny their Tears, All felt your Heroes miseries, as theirs, But as a faithful Friend, he touch'd me most; By life's most noble, best of blessings, lost; O Heaven, this my fondest wish Decree! Our mutual Friendship, may ne'er Fatal be.