University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE:

Spoken by Mr. Powell, who Acted the Emperor.
So mad a Tyrants part I act to day,
That you will think him mad who wrote the Play.
In Comick humours he takes most delight,
And yet he rants in Tragedy to night;
And strives to give diversion for an hour,
With a young Prince, mad with excess of power.
He had that mighty power you all desire;
Power you all love, and labour to acquire,
Some have desir'd a French Invasion here
For under them, they hop'd to domineer:
But, Oh! shou'd France this nobler Realm subdue,
Ev'ry Dragoon wou'd be a Cæsar too.
Poor Rogues, who for three-half-pence sell their Lives,
Wou'd lord it o're your Lands, your Selves, your Wives.
What wretched slav'ry is, we shew to day,
'Tis well you only see it in a Play:
Thanks to the Brave, who well deserve their pay.
Some gentle pity we have hopes to move
By the misfortunes of sweet vertuous Love.
The nicest Lady need not blush to day,
At least, at what the Women do or say.
Chast all the beauties are they represent,
Their loves are Conjugal or Innocent.
We are young actors; yet we hope to please
By Acting Love, for love with youth agrees.
You love the Actors, who have pleas'd you long;
But th'Images of Love shou'd all be young.