Another Prologue spoke at Court to the Emperess of Morocco.

WIT has of late took up a trickt' appear,
Unmannerly, or at the b…st severe:
And Poets share the Fa…e by which we fall,
VVhen kindly we attempt to please you all.
'Tis hard, your scorn should against such prevail,
Whose ends are to divert you, tho' they fail.
You Men would think it an ill-natur'd Jest,
Should we laugh at you when you did y…ur best.
Then rail not here, though you see reason for't
If Wit can finde it self no better sport.
Wit is a very foolish thing at Court.
VVit's bus'ness is to please, and not to fright,
'Tis no Wit to be always in the right,
You'l find … none, who dare be so to night.
Few so ill-bred will venture to a Play,
To spy out faults in what we VVomen say
For us no matter what we speak, but how,
How kindly can we say— I hate you now.
And for the men, if you'l laugh at'em, do;
T…y minde themselves so much, they'll ne're minde you—
But why do I descend to lose a Prayer
On those small Saints in Wit, the God sits there.
T… you (Great Sir) my Message hither tends,
From Youth and Beauty your Allies and Friends.
See my …redentials written in my Face,
They challenge your Protection in this place,
And hither come with such a force of charmes,
As may give Check even to your prosp'rous …rmes:
Millions of Cupids hovering in the Rear,
Like Eagles following, fatal Troops appear.
All waiting for the slaughter, which draws nigh.
Of those bold Gazers, who this Night must dy.
Nor can you …ca…e our soft Cap…ivitie,
From which old Age alone must s…t you free.
Then tremble at the fatal Cons…qun…—
Si…ce, 'tis well known for y…ur own part (Great Prince)
'Gainst us you still have ma…e a weak d…fenc…—
Be gen'rous, and wise, and take our part;
Remember we have eyes, and you a heart.
Else you may find, too late, that we are things
Born to kill vassals, and to conquer Kings.
But oh! to what vain Conquest I pretend,
VVhilst Love is our Commander, and your Friend.
Our victory your Empire more assures,
For Love will ever make the Triumph yours.