 | A Hint to Husbands |  |
vii
PROLOGUE,
Written by Sir James Bland Burgess, Bart.
If yet a play, by pageantry ungrac'd,
In its plain dress can suit the public taste,
Our bard, perhaps, may venture to appeal,
From those who only gaze, to those who feel.
Bred in the old and half-forgotten school,
He does not quite renounce the Drama's rule;
He boasts no pantomimic skill, nor tries
To make his audience hear him with their eyes:
Whilst Nature prompts, his moral scene imparts
And speaks some honest truths to British hearts.
In its plain dress can suit the public taste,
Our bard, perhaps, may venture to appeal,
From those who only gaze, to those who feel.
Bred in the old and half-forgotten school,
He does not quite renounce the Drama's rule;
He boasts no pantomimic skill, nor tries
To make his audience hear him with their eyes:
Whilst Nature prompts, his moral scene imparts
And speaks some honest truths to British hearts.
The first, the noblest purpose of the Stage,
Is to reflect the manners of the age;
By fair example, folly to reclaim;
To guide the thoughtless, and the base to shame.
Experience proves, that many, who refuse
Cold Caution's precepts, listen to the Muse;
That many a heart, in Fashion's vortex caught,
By her to calm reflection has been brought.
If such success our Author should attend;
Should he instruction with amusement blend;
Should from his scene one thoughtless Husband learn
A Wife's neglected merit to discern;
Or, when temptation revels in his soul,
Derive an aid, rash passion to control;
Your gen'rous sanction will applaud his art,
Confirm'd, enhanc'd, by conscience and the heart.
Is to reflect the manners of the age;
By fair example, folly to reclaim;
To guide the thoughtless, and the base to shame.
Experience proves, that many, who refuse
Cold Caution's precepts, listen to the Muse;
That many a heart, in Fashion's vortex caught,
By her to calm reflection has been brought.
If such success our Author should attend;
Should he instruction with amusement blend;
Should from his scene one thoughtless Husband learn
A Wife's neglected merit to discern;
Or, when temptation revels in his soul,
Derive an aid, rash passion to control;
Your gen'rous sanction will applaud his art,
Confirm'd, enhanc'd, by conscience and the heart.
| A Hint to Husbands | |