| Citation |
PL.778.046
7 Feb 1778:31 (125)
At the late opening of the Theatre in Southwark by a Society
of Gentlemen of the Army and Navy, for the laudable purpose
of raising a supply for the widows and orphans of those who
have lost their lives in his Majesty's service, as well as
for such other generous charities as their funds may enable
them to perform, the following prologue was delivered by a
Gentleman of the Army.
Once more ambitious of theatric glory,
Howe's strolling company appears before ye.
O'er hills and dales and bogs, thro' wind and weather,
And many a hair-breadth 'scape we've scrambled hither.
For we, true vagrants of the Thespian race,
Whilst summer lasts ne'er know a settled place;
Anxious to prove the merit of our band,
A chosen squadron wander through the land.
How beats each Yankie bosom at our drum,
"Hark, Jonathan, zaunds, here's the strollers come."
Spruced up with top knots and their Sunday dress,
With eager looks the maidens round us press,
"Jemima see--an't this a charming sight,
"Look Tabitha--Oh Lord! I wish 'twas night."
Wing'd with variety our moments fly,
Each minute tinctur'd with a different dye;
Balls we have plenty, and al Fresco too,
Such as Soho or King-street never knew.
Did you but see sometimes how we're arrayed,
You'd fancy we design'd a masquerade:
'Twould tire your patience was I to relate here,
Our routs, drums, hurricanes and Fetes Champetres,
Let Ranelagh still boast her ample dome,
While heaven's our canopy, the earth's our room;
Still let Vauxhall her marshal'd lamps display,
And gild her shades with artificial day,
In lofty terms old vaunting Sadler's Wells
Of her tight rope and ladder dancing tells,
But C--g--m in both by far excells.
Now winter * --Hark--and I must not say no--
"But soft, a word or two before I go:"
Benevolence first urg'd us to engage,
And boldly venture on a public stage,
To guard the helpless orphan's tender years,
To wipe away the afflicted parent's tears.
To sooth the sorrows of the widow'd breast,
To lull the friendless bosoms care to rest,
This our design--and sure in such a cause,
E'en error's self might challenge some applause:
With candor then our imperfections scan
And where the actor fails absolve the man.
* The bell rings.
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