University of Virginia Library

EPILOGUE,

Written by Mr. Estcourt. Spoken by Mrs. Oldfeild.
Our Neighbours lately, with an Ill Design,
Strove the Contending Play-Houses to Join;
But, bless'd with greater Charity than they,
For the Prosperity of Both, we pray.
Our Prince, not envious of his Rival's Throne,
Lives like First Monarchs, happy with his own.
Too kind to wish his Enemies should yield;
He left 'em free,—New Theatres to Build.
And see what Fruits from Our Divisions spring,
Both Houses now Italian Musick Sing.
The Fair can only tell which pleases best;
For Ladies always have the nicest Taste.
But this We know, had that dire Union been,
You ne'er in England had Camilla seen.
They wou'd some Masque have shewn, or Country Farce;
Paris's Judgment, or the Loves of Mars:
But since the Stage's Freedom you Restore,
And we no more dread Arbitrary Pow'r,
To please this Audience, we'll no Charges spare,
But chearfully maintain a vig'rous War.
New Funds we'll raise, and heavy Taxes lay,
Dancers and Singers (Dear Allies) to pay.
Acting shall Shine, and Poetry Revive,
And Emulation make our Empire Thrive.
In ev'ry Play you see, or Song you hear,
Pleasure, and Life, and Freedom shall appear.
Our Stage is thus an Emblem of the State,
With Mildness Rul'd, by Opposition Great.
Abroad we Conquer our insulting Foes,
And Universal Monarchy Oppose:
Yet feel the Blessings of a Peaceful Reign,
And safe at Home, our Liberties Maintain.