University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE.

Since the Sun's kindly Beams have left us now,
And in the other World make all things grow;
Like Swallows to warm Seasons, we draw near,
And hope to find a fruitful Summer here—
May still our Orb so bright, and gay appear,
And ev'ry Day adorn our Theatre—
Wev'e nothing more to welcome you to Night,
Than a plain, undrest Play, a homely Sight,
No Shew to take your Eyes, that are more kind,
And easier pleas'd than is the dainty mind.
Language with you's esteem'd upon the Stage,
Like some affected Gallants of this Age;
Not for their Sence, but for their Equipage.—
No, the rich Banquet is to come, a Treat
Cook'd by your Chat'lin and La' Froon of Wit.
This is a Christmas Tale has oft been told
Over a Fire by Nurse, and Grandam old,
Where they wou'd Paris the wild Youngster blame,
For stealing Helen, that inconstant Dame.
Yet we're in hopes you will be kind to hear
The Lives of those whose Successours you are:
For when Troy fell, its Remnant here did plant,
And built this Place, and call'd it Troy-novant:
But as those Venturers were forc'd to slay
An Hoast of barb'rous Picts that stop'd their Way,
First we're to withstand you Natives of the Bays,
Who hate all new Invaders with new Plays,
And therefore right, or wrong, damn whom you please.
Then, that we may be stronger, we submit
To all you London Trojans of the Pit,
And all the merry Greeks, that seldom think,
But only dive into good Wine, and Drink;
Such may we often see, we'l soon defeat
These Race of Picts that plague the Land of Wit.