Carolina or, Loyal Poems. By Tho. Shipman |
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Prologue to Henry the third of France, at the Royal Theatre. By Hart.
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Prologue to Henry the third of France, at the Royal Theatre. By Hart.
1678.
You're not t'expect to day the modish Sport,
Affronting either City, or the Court.
Our Poet's mannerly, and cautious too,
And neither will abuse himself, or you.
Faith both are needless; since they're done each day,
By you who judge, and he who writes a Play.
The sacred thirst for Bays and Fame is gone;
And Poetry now turns Extortion.
Nay worse, Stage-Poetry seduces more
Than Wine, or Women ever did before
Gain'd by its charms, hither the Wits resort;
The Stage robs both the Pulpit and the Court.
The other Sex too are stark rhyming mad,
Ev'n from the Dutchess to the Chamber-Maid.
Nor do these Charms in the North Country fail,
But took our Poet both from Hounds and Ale.
Affronting either City, or the Court.
Our Poet's mannerly, and cautious too,
And neither will abuse himself, or you.
Faith both are needless; since they're done each day,
By you who judge, and he who writes a Play.
The sacred thirst for Bays and Fame is gone;
And Poetry now turns Extortion.
Nay worse, Stage-Poetry seduces more
Than Wine, or Women ever did before
207
The Stage robs both the Pulpit and the Court.
The other Sex too are stark rhyming mad,
Ev'n from the Dutchess to the Chamber-Maid.
Nor do these Charms in the North Country fail,
But took our Poet both from Hounds and Ale.
His Scenes (such as they are) in France are laid;
Where you may see the ancient English-Trade;
Either in beating France or giving aid.
Such Vertue reign'd then in our smiles or frowns,
Those did defend, as these could conquer Crowns.
These Miracles were in Eliza's Reign;
Whose left-hand France and Holland did sustain;
And whose right-hand both baffled Rome and Spain.
Whilst England only could the World subdue,
Nay found a new one out, and reign'd there too;
Judge then what now Great Britanny may do;
Since now her Helm a greater Pilot guides;
Who has th' advantage of his Sex besides.
Tho here our Poet rather would make known
His Country's Reputation than his own;
Yet he may chance by Criticks to be hist,
As he intrencht upon the Casuist.
But he no Controversies sets on foot;
And thinks it better if none else would do't.
Nor tells you which Religion he is on;
May be (like most of you) he is of none.
If this prove true, he must the States-man move;
Then for the Ladies he has Scenes of Love.
And here Gallants and fighting Scenes for you;
Nay, here is Huffing for you Hectors too.
What the pox, Gentlemen, would you have more?
Y'are cloy'd sure with the Atheist and the Whore.
Where you may see the ancient English-Trade;
Either in beating France or giving aid.
Such Vertue reign'd then in our smiles or frowns,
Those did defend, as these could conquer Crowns.
These Miracles were in Eliza's Reign;
Whose left-hand France and Holland did sustain;
And whose right-hand both baffled Rome and Spain.
Whilst England only could the World subdue,
Nay found a new one out, and reign'd there too;
Judge then what now Great Britanny may do;
Since now her Helm a greater Pilot guides;
Who has th' advantage of his Sex besides.
Tho here our Poet rather would make known
His Country's Reputation than his own;
Yet he may chance by Criticks to be hist,
As he intrencht upon the Casuist.
But he no Controversies sets on foot;
And thinks it better if none else would do't.
Nor tells you which Religion he is on;
May be (like most of you) he is of none.
If this prove true, he must the States-man move;
Then for the Ladies he has Scenes of Love.
And here Gallants and fighting Scenes for you;
Nay, here is Huffing for you Hectors too.
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Y'are cloy'd sure with the Atheist and the Whore.
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