University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE, spoken by Mrs. WOFFINGTON, in the Character of the Tragic Muse.

When Athens, mistress of the world, appear'd
In arms tremenduous, and for arts rever'd,
With all the pomp of majesty array'd,
I rul'd unrival'd, and mankind obey'd;
They own'd the right was mine, with various art,
To sway the different movements of the heart;
To fill the breast with terror, or with woe,
To kindle rage, or make soft pity flow.
Polite the audience then, all eye, all ear,
Prais'd with a sigh, applauded with a tear,
And still the mighty rulers of the state,
To hear my strains, in silent wonder sate.
From those bless'd times, to this important hour,
Ne'er did I know such full extent of pow'r.
Once more I move a queen, once more command,
Once more, methinks, I reign in Attic land,
To Attic power restor'd, by Dorset's hand.
O born by nature, form'd by art to please,
To soften pow'r, join dignity with ease;
Polish'd in courts, in weighty councils prov'd,
Honour'd in public life, in private lov'd;
Preside as from the first, be Dorset still,
Wise to consult, and steady to fulfil:
Best image of the prince, whose sword you bear,
Who tempers royal with paternal care:
Thee, a glad nation, to her vows restor'd,
Welcomes, and gratulates her wish'd-for lord;
Returning, hails thee, with consenting voice,
And owns her sovereign's goodness in the choice.
Yet while, the sweetest music to the ear,
The praises of a greatful state you hear,
Whilst in return, with still unweary'd zeal,
Anxious you labour for the public weal;
Sometimes thy mind from cares sublime unbend,
And hither, to the muse's voice, descend;
Let softer evenings, toilsome days repair,
Amid these circles of the gay and fair.
So Phœbus, ere still night, to Thetis' court
Descends, where Ocean's sons and nymphs resort,
Hears syrens warble, tritons tune the shell,
Attendant muses the full concert swell:
Thence his high toil resumes, with brighter ray,
And to the busy world distributes day.