University of Virginia Library

Prologue

To the Duke of Lerma, spoken by Mr s. Ellen, and Mr s. Nepp.
Nepp.
How, Mrs. Ellen, not drest yet, and the Play ready to begin.

El.
Not so near ready to begin as you think for.

Nepp.
Why, What's the matter?

Ellen.
The Poet, and the Company are wrangling within.

Nepp.
About what?

Ellen.
A Prologue.

Nepp.
Why, Is't an ill one.

Nell.

Two to one it had been so if he had writ any, but the
Conscious Poet, with much modesty, and very Civilly and
Sillily—has writ none.

Nepp.

What do they meane to do?

Nell.

Nay, Fortune knowes, They are now Compounding
with him but for two lines.

Nepp.

And what sayes the wilfull Rhymer?

Nell.

Why he sayes for his defence, that Prologues are like
Corne well thrash'd, there's nothing left in the Straw.

Nepp.
What shall we do then? 'Slife, let us be bold,
And speak a Prologue.—

Nell.
—No, no, let us Scold.

Knepp.
Nay—
Since to be try'd here is our Poets Chance,
Wee'l wish him sure a good Deliverance.

Nelle.
Why, then deliver him from you that sit
And boldly Censure, what, you have not Wit:
May you be poor, and know not what to do
For Six pence, and then rail at Money too.

Nepp.
From you that have some Wit, and yet more Spight,
May you be judg'd, as you do those that write;
May all your Courted Mistresses to you
Prove froward and malitious Critiques too.

Nell.
May they observe with care your ugliest Looks
As you do the worst things in Plays and Books.

Nepp.
Deliver him from you that nothing spare;
Nay, you that would fain seem worse then you are,
Out-talke your own Debaucheries, and tell
With a fine shrug, Faith Jack I am not well

Nell.
From you that with much ease, and little shame
Can blast a Poet's, and a Woman's fame;
For at first sight a well-bred trick y'have got
Combing your Wiggs, to Cry, Damme She's naught.

Nepp.
Prithee let's say no more, but run away,
For they'le revenge themselves on the poore Play.

Nell.
No matter, we have here one Party fast,
I meane the Gentlemen we spoke of last:
Though they deny't the Poet, yet we know,
On'us they freely wou'd their Claps bestow.

Exeunt.