University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE. Spoken by Mrs. Lee.

Well ; a Romantick, and a Slaught'ring Lass,
With th'Hectours of the Pit, will never pass.
I said as much; but the Insipid Ass
Would needs Write on; and told me that his Muse
Had History and Truth for her Excuse.
Nay, if he'd have it so, what's that to me?
I told him, I loved Fighting more than he.
And would refuse no Honourable Terms:
And so—
From Stripling Cupid, grew a Man of Arms.
And though these Martial Dresses are not common,
Well Arm'd, you'l find it hard to Foile a Woman.
Think not our Courage, for our Sex less bold;
Nor us so Brittle, but our Strength can hold.
For Fighting Gallants, when you led the Dance,
Some of our Sex went after You to France:
And Female Bully into Breeches got,
Some say, The Last Sea Fight stood Cannon Shot.
Why may not Women have as Generous Ends
In Conquering Enemies, as Obliging Friends?
So Fair a Theme I could with Ease pursue:
But, so much for Ours; now for the Poet's due:
Our Author, as the Humble Fop; still say,
Begs You'd be Favourable to His Play:
But I say no: Do not your Censures spare.
Be ill-Natur'd, do; and Damne it,—if you dare.
Come hither,—
[To Mr. Smith
Does not that Whispering Wry-faced Gang, that's got in
Yon Corner, look as if they were a Plotting
Against the Play?

Mr. Smith
Yes, what then?

Mrs. Lee.
Do they so?
Death, I'le be with them.

[Offers to Draw
Mr. Smith.
Hold, hold.

[Stays her
Mrs. Lee.
Let me go:
Is't not enough that they run Poets down,
And damne You and your Plays for their Half Crown?
But they must stare, look big, and Hectour Us!
Are all our Kindnesses requited thus!
Did not the Boys Act Women's Parts Last Age?
Till We in pitty to the Barren Stage
Came to Reform your Eyes that went astray,
And taught you Passion the true English Way.
Have not the Women of the Stage done this?
Nay, took all Shapes, and used most means to Please.
How many on's, you naughty Men, you know,
Have used you but too well? nay and some few,
(But not too much of that) been Constant too.
And if to damne us now our Reward,
I say no more; but-Faith 'tis very hard.