spoken on the English theatre. The three first nights it was
recited twice, and not only continued to be demanded through the
run, as it is termed, of the play, but whenever it is recalled to
the stage, where by peculiar fortune, though a copy from the French,
it yet keeps its place, the Epilogue is still expected, and is still
spoken.

The propriety of Epilogues in general, and consequently of this, was
questioned by a correspondent of the Spectator, whose letter was
undoubtedly admitted for the sake of the answer, which soon
followed, written with much zeal and acrimony. The attack and the
defence equally contributed to stimulate curiosity and continue
attention. It may be discovered in the defence that Prior's
Epilogue to Phaedra had a little excited jealousy, and something of
Prior's plan may be discovered in the performance of his rival. Of
this distinguished Epilogue the reputed author was the wretched
Budgell, whom Addison used to denominate "the man who calls me
cousin;" and when he was asked how such a silly fellow could write
so well, replied, "The Epilogue was quite another thing when I saw
it first." It was known in Tonson's family, and told to Garrick,
that Addison was himself the author of it, and that, when it had
been at first printed with his name, he came early in the morning,
before the copies were distributed, and ordered it to be given to
Budgell, that it might add weight to the solicitation which he was
then making for a place.

Philips was now high in the ranks of literature. His play was
applauded; his translations from Sappho had been published in the
Spectator; he was an important and distinguished associate of clubs,
witty and poetical; and nothing was wanting to his happiness but