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The works of Allan Ramsay

edited by Burns Martin ... and John W. Oliver [... and Alexander M. Kinghorn ... and Alexander Law]

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PROLOGUE spoke by Mr. Anthony Aston, the first Nigh[t] the[y] acted in Winter 1726.
  
  
  
  
  
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PROLOGUE spoke by Mr. Anthony Aston, the first Nigh[t] the[y] acted in Winter 1726.

'Tis I,—dear Caledonians, blythsome TONY,
That oft, last Winter, pleas'd the Brave and Bonny
With Medley, merry Song, and comick Scene;
Your Kindness then has brought me here again:
After a Circuit round the Queen of Isles,
To gain your Friendship and approving Smiles,
Experience bids me hope;—tho' South the Tweed
The Dastards said, “He never will succeed:
“What! such a Country look for any Good in!
“That does not relish Plays,—nor Pork,—nor Pudding!”
Thus great Columbus by an Idiot Crew
Was ridicul'd, at first, for his just View;
Yet his undaunted Spirit ne'er gave Ground,
Till he a new and better World had found.
So I—laugh on—the Simile is bold;
But Faith 'tis just: For till this Body's cold,
Columbus like, I'll push for Fame and Gold.