The Works of Richard Owen Cambridge Including several pieces never before published: with an account of his life and character, by his son, George Owen Cambridge |
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 | The Works of Richard Owen Cambridge |  |
314
EPILOGUE SPOKEN AT DRURY-LANE THEATRE,
BY MISS PRITCHARD, In the Character of Maria in the Tamer tamed: 1760.
WELL! since I've thus succeeded in my plan,And conquer'd this all-conquering tyrant, man,
To farther conquests still my soul aspires,
And all my bosom glows with martial fires.
Suppose—a female regiment we raise—
We must—for men grow scarceish now-a-days,
Now every man of spirit is enlisted—
Why, ladies—these brave lads should be assisted.
The glorious scheme my flutt'ring heart bewitches:
But hold—I've promis'd not to wear the breeches.
No matter—in this variegated army
We'll find some regimentals that shall charm ye.
If plumes and lace recruiting can persuade,
We'll try to shew our taste in masquerade.
My feather here is fitted in a trice:
Then for the crest, the motto, and device—
315
In Latin mottos men may shew their parts,
But ours shall be true English—like our hearts.
Our uniform we'll copy from the Greek;
The drapery and emblems true antique:
Minerva's ægis! and Diana's bow!—
And thus equipt to India's coasts we'll go.
Temples of gold, and diamond mines we'll rob:
—And every month we'll make a new Nabob.
Amid this glorious scene of contributions,
Spoil, presents—hourly change and revolutions,
While high on stately elephants we ride,
Whose feet can trample European pride,
Think not our country we can e'er forget:
We'll plunder—but to pay the nation's debt.
Then there's America—we'll soon dispatch it,
This tedious war—when we take up the hatchet.
Heroes and soldiers Indian wiles may catch;
But—in a woman they may meet their match.
To art, disguise, and stratagem no strangers,
We fear no hazard, nor once think of dangers
In our true character of Female Rangers.
| The Works of Richard Owen Cambridge | |