University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE,

By a FRIEND.
Spoken by the young Gentlewoman who performed Alicia.
An ancient bard, vers'd in dramatick laws,
Has said, (and well he knew to gain his cause)
“The seasoning of a play, is the applause .”
Within these walls, this truth no doubt will bear,
Without such seasoning, there's no 'biding here.—
First for our author: for his play, I mean;
(For he's beyond the reach of critick-spleen)
If he has touch'd your hearts, your tears will show it,
And your hands echo back, you acquit the poet.
Next, our performance; there, we've done our best:
And where ought's wanting, you'll supply the rest:
I know you will, you must; from hence I spy,
Good nature sparkling in each generous eye.
Last for my humble self,—thus low I sue;
[curtsying.
Do not too rigid give me all my due:
What's wanting, pardon: and if ought appears,
That may be ripen'd by theatrick-years:
Kindly protect the plant, your smiles now raise,
Be mine, obedient thanks; yours, all the praise.