 | Thorny-Abbey, or The London-Maid |  |
The Prologue to the MARRIAGE-BROAKER.
You, who are seated, and for entrance pay,I bid you hearty Well-come to our Play.
A Play span-new, and ne're yet on the score
For th'Poet's faults, or what's the Actors more.
We therefore hope 'twill please: and reason good.
Since 'tdoth present no tale of Robin Hood,
No musty Story dress'd in Phrases new;
And yet you'l finde in't Wit and Language too.
Its subject is well known, a common Vice,
Made up of Riot, and foul Avarice:
For when a Royster spends his fair Estate,
And penny-less 'gins to repent too late,
His first-fetch'd project how again to thrive,
Is cast about how richly he may Wive,
Can well contrive, and's conscience wrinkled sits:
Who, out of hope to share the prey, about
Soon plods, and finds the youth a Mistress out.
The Match soon made, they're married with all speed:
But hasty Weddings soon contention breed.
Our Play lays open every wile and gin
Whereby they coaks and draw the Females in:
Then be attent and since fore arm'd fore warn'd.
How to beware such guiles may hence be learn'd.
| Thorny-Abbey, or The London-Maid | |