University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE. Spoken by Nigrello in a Mans Habit, but in a white Wig, and her Face discover'd.

Ladies , this Play our Author stole from You,
Here he your Anger, there your Influence drew;
And whilst such Love, and such Revenge he made,
He both your Honour and your Charms survey'd.
From you then let this Play Protection take,
Whilst Beauties judge the Characters they make.
But such a Lover as you've seen to day,
I fear you rarely meet but in a Play.
Marriage 'tis true, goes on in the old Road,
But dying-Lovers are quite out of Mode;
Search but the Kalendar, and I'm mistaken,
If you find Saints or Martyrs of Loves making.
No, Courtiers now take a quite different way,
As, Madam you're so pretty, and so gay,
Gad take me, I could throw a heart away
On such a Charming Rogue. Come, is't a Match?
Hang studying; there's nothing like dispatch.
I am for Marrying, whilst our Bloods are hot,
You shall have Coach and Joynture, and what not.
So if she likes her Man, the Fort is won:
If not, they kiss, and part, and no harm's done.
As for despairing Lovers t'Hang, Stab, Drown,
Or run Mad when their cruel Ladyes frown;
There's no such thing in Nature. So much Rage,
Is none of the Diseases of this Age.
But though your Charms such worthless Captives take,
And through the Ages lightness rarely make
'Mongst all your numerous Slaves, one Sacrifice,
Who at the feet of a harsh Mistriss dyes;
The fault's not in your Beauty, but their Eyes.