University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE. Spoken by Mrs. WOFFINGTON.

Well Gentlemen! and are you still so vain
To treat our Sex with arrogant Disdain,
And think, to you alone by partial Heav'n
Superior Sense and sovereign Pow'r are given,
When in the Story told To-night, you find,
With what a boundless Sway we rule the Mind,
And, by a few soft Words of ours, with Ease,
Can turn the proudest Hearts just where we please?
If an old Mother had such pow'rful Charms,—
To stop a stubborn Roman's conquering Arms,—
Soldiers and Statesmen of these Days, with you
What think you wou'd a fair young Mistress do?
If with my grave Discourse, and wrinkled Face,
I thus could bring a Hero to Disgrace,
How absolutely may I hope to reign
Now I am turn'd to my own Shape again!
However, I will use my Empire well;
And, if I have a certain magic Spell
Or in my Tongue, or Wit, or Shape, or Eyes,
Which can subdue the Strong, and fool the Wise,
Be not alarm'd: I will not interfere
In State-Affairs, nor undertake to steer
The Helm of Government,—as we are told
Those Female Politicians did of old:
Such dangerous Heights I never wish'd to climb—
Thank Heav'n! I better can employ my Time—
Ask you to what my Pow'r I shall apply?
To make my Subjects blest, is my Reply.
My Purposes are gracious all, and kind.
Some may be told—and some may be divin'd:
One, which at present I have most at Heart,
To you without Reserve I will impart:
It is my Sovereign Will,—Hear, and obey,—
That you with Candour treat this Orphan Play.