Spoken by the Lady Elizabeth Howard.

As tiu'rous …v…rites that have slighted long
A Fa…tion, which at last they finde grow strong,
Think with themselvs how they b…time may close
And make a Peac… with th… i… …revailing foes:
So ou… young Ladies almost dead with fear,
Reflection …l they m…y have anger'd here:
And with a fl…tt… ri…g Prologu… would …xcuse
T… … rigour which th…y once did use.
This humbl… Erran… I am sent to do…,
Bu… it woul… ill b…c…me … to woo,
No… shall we need …t sure to such as you.
M…thinks you should not r…il at us to day,
And you are too gallant to minde the Play.
But though you do, we hope at last each scene
VVhere we shall act, will tak…, tho' ne're so mean.
In a fine …adies Mouth all fine will show,
As wi…s blow sweet when they through Gardens blow.
Use w…ll the Power we put into your hands,
And know, long at i…s height no Empire stands.
You were at ours, we at your mercy now,
And must like Vassals to our Vassals bow;
Y…t my brisk Monsieurs, be not too severe,
Y'ave but a little time to dominere,
And every Jest of yours may cost you dear:
'Tis b…t …ik Royal slav…s, this night you reign:
The Play once done, we shall be crown'd again,
And you, poor Captives, must resume your …hain.
Then do your w…rst, we will the shock abide,
You can at most but a f…ign'd Love deride,
VVhen in good earnest you shall come to woo,
It will be then our tu…n to laugh at you.