 | Alonzo |  |
PROLOGUE. Spoken by Mr. Palmer.
Whilst ardent Zeal for India's Reformation,Hath fired the Spirit of a generous Nation;
Whilst Patriots of presented Lacks complain,
And Courtiers Bribery to Excess arraign;
The Maxims of Bengal still rule the Stage,
The Poets are your Slaves from Age to Age.
Like Eastern Princes in this House you sit,
The Soubahs, and Nabobs of suppliant Wit;
Each Bard his Present brings, when he draws near,
With Prologue first, he sooths your gracious Ear;
We hope your Clemency will shine to Day,
For tho' despotic, gentle in your Sway.
These conscious Walls if they cou'd speak wou'd tell,
How seldom by your Doom, a Poet fell:
Your Mercy oft suspends the Critics Laws,
Your Hearts are partial, to an Author's Cause.
Pleas'd with such Lords, content with our Condition,
Against your Charter we will ne'er petition.
If certain Folks, should send us a Committee,
(Like that which lately visited the City)
Who without special Leave of our Directors,
At the Stage Door shou'd enter as Inspectors;
Altho' their Hearts were arm'd with triple Brass,
Thro' our resisting Scenes, they could not pass.
Lyons and Dragons too keep watch and ward,
Witches and Ghosts the awful entrance guard;
Heroes who mock the pointed Sword are here,
And desperate Heroines who know no Fear;
To brave the Terrors of the inchanted Grove,
Here on this Spot, the Center of our State,
Here on this very Spot they'd meet their Fate.
The Prompter gives the Sign, and down they go;
Alive descending to the Shades below.
To you whose Empire still may Heav'n maintain,
Who here by antient Right and Custom reign,
Our Lions couch, our Dragons prostrate fall,
Witches and Ghosts obey your potent Call.
Our Heroines smile on you with all their Might,
Our boldest Heroes tremble in your Sight,
Even now with anxious Hearts they watch your Eyes,
Should you but frown, even brave Alonzo flies.
| Alonzo | |