University of Virginia Library

THE PROLOGUE Intended, and Part spoken by Mr. Hart.

You're not t' expect to day the modists sport,
Affronting either City, or the Court.
Our Poet's mannerly and cautious too,
And neither will abuse himself or you.
Faith both are needless; since they're done each day,
By you who judge, and he who writes a Play.
The sacred thirst for Bayes and Fame is gone,
And Poetry now turns Extortion.
Nay worse, Stage-Poetry seduces more
Than Wine, or Women ever did before.
Gain'd by its Charms, hither the Wits resort;
The Stage robs both the Pulpit and the Court.
The other Sex too are stark rhiming mad,
Ev'n from the Lady to the Chamber Maid.
Nor do these Charms in the North Country fail,
But took our Poet both from Hounds and Ale.
His Scenes, such as they are, in France are laid;
Where you may see the ancient English Trade;
Either in beating France, or giving aid.
Such vertue reign'd then in our Smiles or frowns,
Those did defend, as these could conquer Crowns.
These Miracles were in Eliza's reign
Whose left hand France and Holland did sustain,
And whose right hand both baffled Rome and Spain.
Whilst England only could the World subdue;
Nay found a new one out, and reign'd there too;
Judge then what now Great Britanny may do!
Since now her Helm a greater Prince does guide;
Who has th' advantage of his Sex beside.
Tho' here our Poet rather would make known
His country's reputation, than his own:
Yet he may chance by Criticks to be hist,
As he intrencht upon the Casuist.
But he no Controversies sets on foot;
And thinks 't were better if none else would do't.
Nor tells you which Religion he is on;
May be (like some of you) he is of none.
If this prove true—He must the Statesman move:
Then for the Ladies he has Scenes of Love.
And here, Gallants are fighting Scenes for you:
Nay here is Huffing for you Hectors too.
What the Pox, Gentlemen, would you have more?
Y'are cloy'd sure with the Atheist and the Whore.