 | The Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus Vespasian. The Second Part |  |
The Play ended, Mrs. Marshal returns and speaks the EPILOGUE, in the Character of Queen Berenice.
How ! is the Gallant British Nation here!Nay then in spite of Titus I'le appear,
And make this brave Assembly judge my Cause;
Wou'd you forsake your Loves for fear of Laws?
You are so brave, where Love is in the case,
Men fear no danger, Women no disgrace.
A Confident is out o'fashion grown,
Or any Common Friend will serve for one.
Who, Madam, pays your eyes their Tribute due?
—'Tis my Lord such a one:—And, is he true?—
—Oh! very true, and worthy my esteem.—
—And, Madam, had you pretty Miss by him?—
—Yes, Madam;—Oh! we lead a pleasant life,
Lord how we laugh at his poor nauseous Wife!—
—I thought you were ador'd by such a one:—
—I lov'd him first, but that Intrigue is done.—
—Why did you part?—He was a Younger Brother;
Besides, we grew a weary of each other.
Thus brave are you, nor can you well forbear;
Your Women charming, men most gallant are.
With this small Beauty I might Servants have,
Now I am free; but I your pardon crave,
I never more will any Friendships make,
For my unkind, unconstant Lovers sake.
No,—you in Love as Gauls do in the Field,
Charge fierce, subdue, but soon your Conquests yield:
Never keep long the Beauties which you take,
But first dismantle 'em, then give 'em back.
But Woman-like, though I dissemble well,
I love to talk of my false Lover oft;
And if the passions I have sigh'd be soft,
And such as may unhappy Beauties please,
All you forsaken slighted Mistresses,
In mine, to hear your own complainings come;
'Tis better then to mope alone at home,
Or in the Rooms, where first your hearts were won,
Or private Lodgings, where you were—undone.
Come all of you; but if the half resort,
Queen Berenice will have a crouded Court.
| The Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus Vespasian. The Second Part | |