University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE.

This Play like Country Girle come up to Town,
Long'd t'appear fine, in Jewels, and rich Gown;
And so,
Hoping it's Pride you Courtiers would support,
To please You, lost its Maiden-head at Court.
Pufft with the glitt'ring of your gaudy Charms;
It fear'd to meet no danger in your Arms.
And though the harshest Censures be its due;
Yet kinder usage it deserves from you.
A generous Gallant though tired and Cloy'd,
Should still speak well of what he has enjoy'd.
Should you damn this you would your selves reproach,
'Tis barb'rous to defame what you debauch.
Nay, now you've Cast it off, yet do not Frown:
Though like the refuge of a Miss o'th' Town,
It is turn'd Common, Yours for half a Crown.
T'was generous at Court and did for Love,
But does for profit to the Stage remove.
Women and Wit on equal scores begin;
Love and affection first may make 'um Sin,
They trade for Interest when they're once got in.
But for you Sirs, who Censure but not Write;
Who do in Wit, as some in War, delight;
Whose Courages do not much care to Fight:
But though they can't of Scars nor Conquests vapour,
They can draw sieges and take Towns in Paper.
You 't will be hard to please;
Critiques whose saving and Condemning, still
Is not your Act of Judgment, but your Will.
Who equal Choice in Plays as Faces make,
What you resolve, not what deserves shall take.
Thus your applause resembles your Amours,
Have we not seen (Oh loves almighty Powers!)
A Wench with tallow-Looks and winter-Face,
Continue one Mans Favorite seven Years space:
Some Ravishing knack i'th' sport and some brisk motion,
Keeps the gilt Coach and the gallants Devotion.
Be to this Toy thus kind, and you will raise
Much better Fancies to write better Plays.
When meaner Faces are us'd kindly by ye,
What Power have greater Beauties to deny ye.
So your kind Smiles advance the scribling Trade:
To get good Play's you must Excuse the bad.