LADY. What you do for Abigal, I know is meant as a compliment to me. This is a new instance of your love. ABIGAL. Mr. Vellum, you are a well-spoken man: pray do you thank my master and my lady. SIR GEORGE. Vellum, I hope you are not displeased with the gift I make you. VELLUM. The gift is twofold. I receive from you A virtuous partner, and a portion too; For which, in humble wise, I thank the donors: VOL. I. 16 THE EPILOGUE. SPOKEN BY MRS. OLDFIELD. TO-NIGHT the poet's advocate I stand, My help thus ask'd, I could not chuse but grant it, hearts: To warm your fancies, and to steal your But turn upon the ladies in the pit, And if they redden, you are sure 'tis wit. Protect him then, ye fair ones; for the fair A nymph of five and forty finds her mate. Too long has marriage, in this tasteless age, With ill-bred raillery supply'd the stage; No little scribbler is of wit so bare, But has his fling at the poor wedded pair. Our author deals not in conceits so stale. For should th' examples of his play prevail, No man need blush, though true to marriage-vows, Nor be a jest, though he should love his spouse. Thus has he done you British consorts right, Whose husbands, should they pry like mine to-night, Would never find you in your conduct slipping, Though they turn'd conjurers to take you tripping. CATO, A Tragedy. AS IT IS ACTED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, IN DRURY LANE, BY HIS MAJESTY'S SERVANTS. Ecce spectaculum dignum, ad quod respiciat, intentus operi suo, Deus! Ecce par Deo dignum, vir fortis cum malâ fortunâ compositus! Non video, inquam, quid habeat in terris Jupiter pulchrius, si convertere animum velit, quàm ut spectet Catonem, jam partibus non semel fractis, nihilominùs inter ruinas publicas erectum. SEN. DE DIVIN. PROV. |