John Dryden (1631–1700). The Poems of John Dryden. 1913.
Prologues and EpiloguesPrologue, for the Women, when they Acted at the Old Theatre in Lincolns Inn Fields
W
As when the poor kind Soul was under guard,
And could not do’t at home, in some By-street
To take a Lodging, and in private meet?
Such is our Case; We can’t appoint our House,
The Lovers old and wonted Rendezvous,
But hither to this trusty Nook remove;
The worse the Lodging is, the more the Love.
For much good Pastime, many a dear sweet hug
Is stol’n in Garrets, on the humble Rugg,
Here’s good Accommodation in the Pit;
The Grave demurely in the midst may sit,
And so the hot Burgundian on the Side
Ply Vizard Masque, and o’er the Benches stride:
Here are convenient upper Boxes too,
For those that make the most triumphant show;
All that keep Coaches must not sit below.
There, Gallants, you betwixt the Acts retire,
And at dull Plays have something to admire:
We, who look up, can your Addresses mark,
And see the Creatures coupled in the Ark:
So we expect the Lovers, Braves, and Wits;
The gaudy House with Scenes will serve for Cits.