A PROLOGUE Spoken at the opening of the DUKE'S NEW PLAY-HOUSE.

TIs not in this as in the former Age,
When Wit alone suffic'd t'adorn the stage;
When things well said an Audience cou'd invite,
Without the hope of such a Gaudy Sight:
What with your Fathers took wou'd take with you
If Wit had still the Charm of being New;
Had not enjoyment dull'd your appetite,
She in her homely dress wou'd yet delight;
Such stately Theatres we need not raise,
Our Old House wou'd put off our dullest Plays.
You Gallants know a fresh Wench of sixteen
May drive the Trade in honest Bombarine
And never want good Custom, shou'd she lie
…n a back-Room, two or three stories high:
But such a Beauty as has long been known,
Though not decay'd, but to Perfection grown,
Must, if she mean to thrive in this leud Town,
Wear Points, lac'd Petticoats, and a rich Gown;
Her Lodgings too must with her Dress agree,
… with Damask, or with Tapestry;
H…e China, Cabinets, and a great Glass,
To …rike respect into an Am'rous Ass.
Without the help of Stratagems and Arts,
An old Acquaintance cannot touch your Hearts.
M…thinks 'tis hard our Authors shou'd submit
So tamely to their Predecessors wit,
…nce, I am sure, among you there are few
Wou'd grant your Grand-fathers had more then you
But hold! I in this business may proceed too far,
And raise a storme against our Theatre;
And then what wou'd the wise Adventures say,
Who are in a much greater fright to day
Then ever Poet was about his Play?
Our apprehensions none can justly blame,
Money is dearer much to us then Fame:
This thought on, let our Poets justifie
The Reputation of their Poetry;
We are resolv'd we will not have to do
With what's between those Gentlemen and you.
Be kind, and let our House have but your praise,
You'r welcome every day to damn their Plays