University of Virginia Library

After the third Sound.

Prologue.

Madams , you'r welcom; though our Poet shew
A severe brow, it is not meant to you.
Your Vertues like your Features, they are such,
They neither can be priz'd nor prais'd too much:
Lov'd and admir'd wheres'ever you are known,
Scorning to mix Platonicks with your own:
—Sit with a pleasing silence, and take view
Of Forms vermillion'd in another hue.
Who make free Traffick of their Nuptial Bed,
As if they had of Fancy surfeited:
Who come not here to hear our Comick Sceans,
But to compleat imaginary Dreams
With realler Conceptions: if you minde them,
“Their New Loves stand before, Old Loves behinde them:
And from that Prospect this Imprezza read.
“Rich Pearls shew best, when they'r set in lead.
Such be your blameless Beauties, which comply
With no Complexion but a Native dye,
Apt for a Spousal hugg: and like rich Ore
Admit one choice Impression, and no more.
Those Faces onely merit our esteem,
“Seem what they be, and be the same they seem.
For they who Beauty cloathe with borrowed ayrs,
May well disclaim them, being none of theirs.
Here shall you see Nature adorn'd with skill,
And if this do not please, sure nothing will.