University of Virginia Library



EPILOGUE AT THE HOUSE.

I know you Look for't, something we must say,
Either to Praise or to Excuse the Play;
Custom will have it so, and we Obey.
It came from France, where it had good Success,
Which makes us Hope well, though I must confess
The Mounsieur's something Alter'd in his Dress.
That you may Cavil at, and we submit;
But know you mighty Judges o' the Pit,
'Tis dangeroue at this time to shew your Wit.
If by Condemning this you stir our Rage,
Wee'l those, who but Translaters were, engage
To bring their own Inventions on the Stage.
Tremble and be advis'd; but I was sent
Ladies to you with a great Complement,
To say the Truth, I knew not what it meant,
And so forgot it, pardon want of care
With the same mercy as the Play you spare,
And though twice Kind you're not so Kind as Fair.
Your Favours with some Justice we may claim,
The Lines are Chast and Spotless as your Fame.
Ah, let not modest Men still bear the blame.