University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE.

I've lookt and lookt and still the Coast is clear;
I see not one Brach'ano Husband here.
Then since in neither Pit, nor Box, nor Gallery,
The cruel Character's all Sham and Raillery.
Well! Grant our wicked Husband and wrong'd Wife
Are Figures somewhat larger than the Life:
Yet were our Females pleas'd to speak their Mind,
I've shrew'd Suspicion, that we shou'd find
Few Dames complain of Husbands over-kind.
Tho' you who have not turn'd meer Brutes of Beaus,
Like well-bred Deer are civil to your Does.
When roving Fancy's wanton Freaks prevail,
Like pamper'd Deer y'are apt to leap the Pale.
Of such wild Bucks I have been told indeed,
From James's Park and Covent-Garden Breed.
But now we meet with Younkers from the City,
Like You turn'd Libertines, the more's the pity,
Wicked as You, and, Sirs, almost as witty.
How diff'rent from their Dads the Course they run?
Stock-jobbing Sire gets rich; the graceless Son,
Writes Madrigals, games, whores, and is undone.
Rare Reformation! to see Prentice-Prig
Adjust the Cravat, and careen the Wig.
Thus Vice and Vanity are Conqu'rors grown,
Our Outworks first they gain'd, and now the Town.
What Refuge then's for Virtue left? What Fort?
You Virtuous Ladies, and a Pious Court.
[To the Boxes.
There English Principles their Posts maintain;
There Morals, Piety, and Hymen reign.
Therefore, for Interest now, if not for Shame,
To the Pit.
You'll tack about, and play the prudent Game,
I see it in your Looks, you'll all reclaim.
All did I say? hold, that's a bold Pretence,
I mean all you that have a Grain of Sense:
Tho' hair-brain'd Rakes slight Royal Reason's Rules,
And Fools to th'End of th'Chapter will be Fools;
You Wits the Sov'reign Summons will obey,
And, First, to shew you're in a mending way,
You'll often visit our Reforming Play.