University of Virginia Library

Prologue to the Recruiting Officer,

acted by some young gentlemen for their diversion.

When peaceful treaties, like the Trojan horse,
Enter our walls, well stuff'd with armed force,
With schemes of peace and war, once every year,
In different shades and different views appear;
And when state-tinkers needs will try their mettle,
Like brethren of their trade who mend a kettle,
Striving to clout or patch a hole, or hide it,
Are sure to make two greater holes beside it.
When politians strive, but strive in vain,
The friendship of all Europe's powers to gain;
For, like the frolick of a country dance,
When in with Spain, we must be out with France,
And if with France we should be in again,
'Tis ten to one we should be out with Spain;
And if with France and Spain we chance to join,
And purchase both their friendships with our coin,
Then we look big, and glory in our trade,
And tell the world, the Empire must accede.
For want of cash the Empire needs must yield;
The Empire stands its ground, and keeps the field.
Once more we face about and change our strain,
We and our German friends will force in Spain;
So to the left, and to the right we wheel,
Then as you were before compleats the reel.
Meantime our Hogan Mogan friends stand by,
Viewing our motions with a watchful eye,
They neither pipe nor dance, but still attend
To see where this fine dance at last will end.
This is our case; can any man, with reason,
Now think recruiting can be out of season?
Then, drum, beat up, beat up for voluntiers,
To serve we know not for how many years.