Prologue to the Widow'd Wife

To gain the public ear, the man of rhimes
Should always speak the language of the times;
And little else hath been of late in hearing
Than terms and phrases of Electioneering.

Our author therefore sends me to assure ye,
Worthy and free electors of Old Drury,
How happy he should prove, if it content you,
That he be one of those who represent you;
The state Poetic, laws and legislature,
Like the Political in form and nature;
Phoebus, the Nine, and bards of reputation,
King, peerage, commons, of the scribbling nation.

Now from Parnassus' throne the prince of wit,
It seems, hath issued out his royal writ
For a new member.—No offence to give
To a late worthy representative;
Who, ris'n to favour, hath from us retreated,
And 'mongst the lords of t'other house is seated,—
His service lost, presuming you may need him,
The present candidate would fain succeed him.

Not that he vainly boasts, on this occasion,
He met encouragement from your persuasion;
Or that both friends, who love, and foes, who hate him,
Have been unanimous to nominate him.
'Tis for this loyal borough his affection,
And patriot zeal, that make him risk th' election;
To his constituents subject to controul;
With whose good leave, he means to stand the poll;
Trusting secure to their impartial choice:
The town uncanvass'd for a single voice;
Nay, brib'd no brother burgess bard of note,
Nor by corruption gain'd one critick's vote.

Too proud to beg, too modest to demand,
By merit only he would fall or stand:
Nor enmity nor friendship interfering,
He only asks a fair and candid hearing.
If, after that, you should with scorn reject him,
Or make one honest scruple to elect him,
He'll lay his unadvised scheme aside,
And frankly own himself not qualified.