_2ly._ I observe the _Moral_ is vitious: It points the wrong way, and puts the _Prize_ into the wrong Hand. It seems to make _Lewdness_ the reason of _Desert_, and gives _Young Fashion_ a second Fortune, only for Debauching away his First. A short view of his _Character_, will make good this Reflection. To begin with him: He confesses himself a _Rake_, swears, and Blasphemes, Curses, and Challenges his Elder Brother, cheats him of his Mistress, and gets him laid by the Heels in a Dog-Kennel. And what was the ground of all this unnatural quarrelling and outrage? Why the main of it was only because Lord _Foplington_ refused to supply his Luxury, and make good his Extravagance. This _Young Fashion_ after all, is the _Poets_ Man of Merit. He provides, a _Plot_ and a Fortune, on purpose for him. To speak freely, A Lewd Character seldom wants good Luck in _Comedy_. So that when ever you see a thorough Libertine, you may almost swear he is in a rising way, and that the _Poet_ intends to make him a great Man. In short; This _Play_ perverts the End of _Comedy_: Which as Monsieur _Rapin_ observes ought to regard Reformation, and publick Improvement. But the _Relapser_ had a more fashionable Fancy in his Head.[402] His _Moral_ holds forth this notable Instruction.
_1st._ That all _Younger Brothers_ should be careful to run out their Circumstances as Fast, and as Ill as they can. And when they have put their Affairs in this posture of Advantage, they may conclude themselves in the high Road to Wealth, and Success. For as _Fashion_ Blasphemously applies it, _Providence takes care of Men of Merit._[403]
_2ly._ That when a Man is press'd, his business is not to be govern'd by Scruples, or formalize upon Conscience and Honesty. The quickest Expedients are the best; For in such cases the Occasion justifies the Means, and a Knight of the _Post_, is as good as one of the _Garter_. In the
_3d._ Place it may not be improper to look a little into the _Plot_. Here the _Poet_ ought to play the Politician if ever. This part should have some stroaks, of Conduct, and strains of Invention more then ordinary. There should be something that is admirable, and unexpected to surprize the Audience. And all this Finess must work by gentle degrees, by a due preparation of _Incidents_, and by Instruments which are probable.[404] 'Tis Mr. _Rapins_ remark, that without probability _every Thing is lame and Faulty_. Where there is no pretence to _Miracle_ and _Machine_, matters must not exceed the force of Beleif. To produce effects without proportion; and likelyhood in the Cause, is Farce, and Magick, and looks more like Conjuring than Conduct. Let us examine the _Relapser_ by these Rules. To discover his _Plot_, we must lay open somewhat more of the _Fable_.