And if things are as bad as they are there represented apart, looking on them together, you will scarce think those expressions too hard, which in a more large and general State of the Case, you sometimes thought did a little exceed.  And very possibly the Zeal of some may have proceeded too far in running down to the ground, all Diversions of this kind without any distinction:  Tho’ at the same time ’tis easie accounting for that seeming distance between those who agree that Vertue shall be their common Design.

For they that are most for condemning these Entertainments, do not deny but some proper Instructions for civil Conduct at least, might thereby be gently instill’d; nor are they wholly against Unbending the Mind, as if they suppose the Spirits of Men wou’d carry them through the Business of Life without any Relief:  But they think these, as they stand, are dangerous Schools:  And, as for Refreshment, they see none in that which unfits us for our respective duties.  And thus much is granted by those who wou’d shew a regard to the weakness of Nature, and not be over severe upon the Practice of those they think well enough of in other Respects.

Whenever you have inclined to savour these Idle Amusements, you have set them before you in an Innocent Dress, and contended for nothing but what might Please without giving Offence, you never design’d that what was Prophane or Immodest, should have your Protection; or to allow your self or your Friends a Conversation that was apt to Corrupt.  You always hoped such Spots might be separated from those things you took in to Divert, and when you had made them as clear as you cou’d, you was easie to own, they might still be too freely indulged:  For which reason I do not believe we shall differ much when we come to the End.

Taking then these Plays at the best, pure from all those defiling Ingredients, and free from the blemish of a Vicious Resort, a condition so perfect as we never yet saw the Theater in:  All this would not make it a Place to be greatly frequented by those, that desire to keep their Minds in a suitable frame.  No one wou’d chuse to converse always with Fiction and Show, that cared to preserve something Real within; Mens Minds in effect being nothing else but their usual Thoughts, which passing continually through them with repeated delight, are sure to leave their Image upon them; as we can’t but observe the Admirers of Scenes to have something Romantick in all that they do.