University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE.

Though , bashfully, we fear to give offence;
Yet, pray allow our Poet confidence.
He has the priv'lege of old Servants got;
Who are conniv'd at, and have leave to Doat;
To boast past service, and be chol'rique too,
Till they believe at last that all they do
Does far above their Masters Judgments grow:
Much like to theirs, is his presumption now.
For free, assur'd, and bold his Brow appears,
Because, he serv'd your Fathers many years.
He says he pleas'd them too, but he may find,
You Wits, not of your Duller-Fathers mind.
Which, well consider'd Mistress Muse will then
Wish for her old Gallants at Fri'rs agen;
Rather than be by those neglected here,
Whose Fathers civilly did Court her there.
But as old Mistresses, who meet disdain,
Forbear through Pride, or Prudence, to complain;
And satisfie their hearts, when they are sad,
With thoughts of former Lovers they have had:
Even so poor Madam-Muse this night must bear,
With equal pulse, the fits of hope and fear;
And never will against your Passion strive:
But, being old, and therefore Narrative,
Comfort her self with telling Tales, too long,
Of many Plaudits had when she was young.