University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE.

Invited by a Woman, every Guest,
No doubt, expects a soft Effeminate Feast,
Has set his Appetite for tender Strains
Of Maids forsaken, or Despairing Swains;
Tho' Sweden's Liberty is in debate,
Concludes amidst the War, and Cares of State,
Her Hero will not fail your Hearts to move
With the dear Virtue of unbounded Love;
But she by other means to please design'd,
Nor wou'd those Passions sooth, to which all find
Frail Nature of it self enough inclin'd:
To publick Virtues she'd your Souls incite,
A Woman thus may give you safe Delight;
Her warmest Scenes will raise no dangerous Flame,
A Northern Hero is her chosen Theam,
Full of his Countries Fate, to all the Fair,
Cold as his Climate, he'll unmov'd appear,
Cold as at home the best bred Husband here.
Thus liv'd Gustavus, but for him t'attone,
Ladies to you a Patriot shall be shewn,
In whose more tender Breast a virtuous Wife
Rivals his Country, and divides his Life.
Nor will she less we hope engage the Fair,
Since Publick Good is now that Sexes Care;
They must a Noble Heroine approve,
Parting with Life, nay what we prize above,
To save the Nation, vanquishing her Love.
This Pattern may prevail to disingage
All the Fair Politicians of the Age,
From every Byass that our Feuds increase,
Renouncing Private Ends, for Publick Peace.
Nor can the vainest haughtiest Man, disdain
A Woman's Precepts in Great ANNA's Reign;
If by a Woman you to night are taught,
Think on that Source from whence th'Instruction's brought.