.[ iv j
These three were adtors as well as poets, and
seem rather to have wrote whatever was wanted
sor the llage, than to have consulted their own
genius.
After the second Punic war and the conquests
in Greece, the Roman dramatic poets began to
act with more judgment. They had the benefit
of the excellent Greek patterns, and formed
themselves on those models. Hor. 1. ii. ep. i.
v. 163.
PLAUTUS. C £ C I L I U S.
Plautus was the firfi: that consulted his own
genius, and confined himself to comedy, for which
he was fitted by nature. Indeed his comedy is of
a ruder kind, his jells are often rough, and his wit
coarse ; but there is a llrength and spirit in him
that makes him read with pleasure.
Cjecilius followed his example in consulting
his own genius, but improved their comedy so
much beyond him, that Cicero (Brut. c. 74.)
counts him the bell perhaps of all their comic
writers. But this was not for his language, but
for the dignity of his characters, or the llrength of
his sentiments.
TERENCE. AFRANIUS.
Terence firll appeared when Caecilius was in
high reputation. It is seen by his plays to what
exactness and elegance the Roman comedy was
arrived