 | Lucius, the First Christian King of Britain |  |
PROLOGUE. By a Young Gentleman. Spoken by Mr. Walker.
In
ancient Days (the Time we do not know,
It is so very, very long ago)
Envy was forc'd to lead an harmless Life,
To stay at home, a meer Italian Wife.
Wou'd ye believe it, Ladies? Yet, 'tis true,
She had not learn'd to Dress like One of You:
Nor did she then appear a thoughtless Beau,
Nor wore Cockades, nor into Armies go.
To Play-houses she ne'er presum'd to come,
And rarely visited the Drawing-room:
Ev'n Masquerades, where no One shews the Face,
Would not admit of Envy in the Place.
It is so very, very long ago)
Envy was forc'd to lead an harmless Life,
To stay at home, a meer Italian Wife.
Wou'd ye believe it, Ladies? Yet, 'tis true,
She had not learn'd to Dress like One of You:
Nor did she then appear a thoughtless Beau,
Nor wore Cockades, nor into Armies go.
To Play-houses she ne'er presum'd to come,
And rarely visited the Drawing-room:
Ev'n Masquerades, where no One shews the Face,
Would not admit of Envy in the Place.
Ah! happy Days, when Dulness fear'd no Lash,
The Author gave no Wit, yet got his Cash:
When an Attempt to Please, was taken well,
And, on weak Woman, never Critick fell.
But our new Taste, brings on a new Demand,
For Wit alone, at present, cannot stand;
You must have Scandal, Politicks, and Traps,
To raise the Ladies Blush, and Footmens Claps.
The Author gave no Wit, yet got his Cash:
When an Attempt to Please, was taken well,
And, on weak Woman, never Critick fell.
But our new Taste, brings on a new Demand,
For Wit alone, at present, cannot stand;
To raise the Ladies Blush, and Footmens Claps.
What can poor We expect, in such a Case?
Dare English Tragedy plead Hopes of Grace?
No Party favour'd, no Designs in view,
To make Old Times club Faction with the New.
No double soft Entenders to excite,
No Politicks to please the Wise to Night,
Such a dull Play, could any Modern write?
Dare English Tragedy plead Hopes of Grace?
No Party favour'd, no Designs in view,
To make Old Times club Faction with the New.
No double soft Entenders to excite,
No Politicks to please the Wise to Night,
Such a dull Play, could any Modern write?
Alas! we own the Allegation just,
But 'tis to You, the shining Fair we trust;
As You are Fair, our Author hopes to find,
You can Forgive, and then You will be Kind.
But 'tis to You, the shining Fair we trust;
As You are Fair, our Author hopes to find,
You can Forgive, and then You will be Kind.
| Lucius, the First Christian King of Britain | |