Page images
PDF
EPUB

All this and more I said; but he, determin'd still,

In formal fustian thus declar'd his will:

"Oft have I tried" [seems puzzled]---something about bis style,

And how he felt the town's indulgent smile.

" Were I again to try my scanty vein,

I'd beg protection for the feeble strain.

But then to sue-be paus'd and rubb'd his head-
To sue-when fam'd Moliere the stage doth tread,
Were to profane the manes of the dead.
Moliere, of old, and still with rapture seen,
Was legislator of the comic scene.
To bid his Simple Girl assert the stage,
And, if she pleases, strive to mend the age;
This was my motive-this my only aim;
Heedless of gain!-no candidate for fame!
An cudience will weigh all in equal scales,
For justice, and not party, there prevails."

Thus spoke Mr. Poet, and then with long steps march'd

away;

And now I am left alone to apologize for offering you this night's play.

We'll strive to make you laugh, if our aim be not perverted; Pray, bow d'ye find yourselves? - Are ye in good humour,

and willing to be diverted?

If you approve,

The Rosciad Scribbler then no more I'll dread,

Who points his malice at a woman's head!

Who drop by drop bis venom doth distil,

While Mother Dullness guides the hireling's quill.

Lull'd in her lap, strange wonders be descries,
And Terence seems a Frenchman to bis eyes!
From thence he issues foul decrees on plays,
Adorns with scandal, and lampoons with praise.
One smile from you defeats the sland'rer's aim;
His calumny, like your applause, is fame.
From your applause our mimic glories rise;
In pleasing you my whole ambition lies.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

Brisk

SCHOOL FOR GUARDIANS.

Skelion fo

London, Publish'd by G.Cawthorn, British Library, Strand, Jan. 221797.

« PreviousContinue »