University of Virginia Library



EPILOGUE, Spoken by Mrs. Prince.

Kings send Embassadors; so Poets do.
I from the French, to the Confederates, You,
Am sent Plenipotentiary; for Peace to sue.
To treat with me, pray think it no Disgrace!
You may read my Credentials in my Face.
Besides, I'm told, the silliest Women are,
Able to deal with the best of you here:
You're fierce at first, but tamely end the War.
The Pow'r that sent me offers to restore
All he took since he treated here before,
Or else Equivalents. What wou'd y' have more?
Not want at Home from others made him take:
He only took for sweet Convenience-sake.
Agree! Faith, once I thought, as he does use you,
This talk of Peace was only to amuse you.
But now he finds his Treasury grows low;
Tho' yours he fancies now is but so so.
Thus, tir'd like you, he's willing War should cease,
Because he hopes he may get more by a Peace.
All you he'll spare, whom pointed Satire hits,
From those who crow'd us here, to yonder peeping Wits;
Ev'n Criticks, Masks, and Beaux; nay Cuckolds, Squires and Cits.
He'll let the Critick for good-natur'd pass;
The Mask for fair and modest, while she hides her Face.
The Fair, who scarce dares ogle at Hide-Park,
Shall safely meet in t'other, when 'tis dark,
And keep Time with the Music and her Spark.
The Wits for Beaux shall pass; for Wits, the Beaux,
And if they please, wear Periwigs to their Toes,
And Shoulder o' Mutton-Flaps in Gawdy double Rows.
The Squire shall be well bred, old Matron pretty,
And Cuckold's-point no Scandal to the City.
Why, thus you'll all be safe! Then kindly bless
This my first Embassy, with fair Success.
Ladies, let your Mediation end the War!
He never trespass'd yet against the Fair.
And, Sirs, till we your Hearts t' a Peace induce,
Pray let me have your Hands, and grant at least a Truce.
We'll ratify't on Thursday at this Place:
But then be sure you ben't in Needmore's Case.