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PROLOGUE.
Written by Aaron Hill, Esq;
Spoken by Mr. Wilks.
In
youth, when modesty and merit meet,
How rare the union! and the force how sweet!
Tho' at small praise our humble author aims,
His friend may give him, what his blush disclaims.
How rare the union! and the force how sweet!
Tho' at small praise our humble author aims,
His friend may give him, what his blush disclaims.
Ladies!—to you he makes his chief address;
Form'd, to be pray'd to, and even born to bless!
He feels your power, himself, and makes it felt;
His scenes will teach each stubborn heart to melt:
And each fair eye, that now shines softly here,
Anon shall shine, still softer, thro' a tear.
Form'd, to be pray'd to, and even born to bless!
He feels your power, himself, and makes it felt;
His scenes will teach each stubborn heart to melt:
And each fair eye, that now shines softly here,
Anon shall shine, still softer, thro' a tear.
Let not constraint your gen'rous sighs repress,
Nor veil compassion, nor repel distress.
Your sex's strength is in such weakness found;
And sighs and tears but help your charms to wound.
Nor veil compassion, nor repel distress.
Your sex's strength is in such weakness found;
And sighs and tears but help your charms to wound.
Of all the wonders taught us by the fair,
'Tis strangest, Tragedy shou'd lose their care!
Where Love, soft tyrant! in full glory reigns;
And sovereign Beauty holds the world in chains.
'Tis strangest, Tragedy shou'd lose their care!
Where Love, soft tyrant! in full glory reigns;
And sovereign Beauty holds the world in chains.
Less polish'd, and more bold, the Comic Muse
Unkings your Cupid, or obstructs his views;
Upholds presuming wit's familiar claim,
And blots out awe from Love's diminish'd flame.
Finds, or makes faults, and sets 'em strong in sight,
And dares draw Woman false, or vain, or light.
While Tragedy—your servant, try'd, and true,
Still to your fame devoted, and to You!
Enslav'd to Love, subdu'd ambition brings,
Firms Beauty's power, and crowns it king of kings.
Unkings your Cupid, or obstructs his views;
Upholds presuming wit's familiar claim,
And blots out awe from Love's diminish'd flame.
Finds, or makes faults, and sets 'em strong in sight,
And dares draw Woman false, or vain, or light.
While Tragedy—your servant, try'd, and true,
Still to your fame devoted, and to You!
Enslav'd to Love, subdu'd ambition brings,
Firms Beauty's power, and crowns it king of kings.
Let wish'd attention grace our scene to-night,
And mourn'd afflictions move refin'd delight.
Each tender light of life we recommend;
Wife, husband, subject, parent, son, and friend!
All! your impassion'd Int'rests shall engage,
And hopes and fears, and pity, fire the stage.
And mourn'd afflictions move refin'd delight.
Each tender light of life we recommend;
Wife, husband, subject, parent, son, and friend!
And hopes and fears, and pity, fire the stage.
Then, when soft sorrow swells the fair one's breast,
And sad impressions mix with nightly rest,
Pleasing remembrance shall our scene supply,
And the sweet saddening influence never die.
And sad impressions mix with nightly rest,
Pleasing remembrance shall our scene supply,
And the sweet saddening influence never die.
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