EPILOGUE

Some have expected, from our bills to-day, To find a satire in our poet's play. The zealous route from Coleman-street did run, To see the story of the Friar and Nun; Or tales, yet more ridiculous to hear, Vouched by their vicar of ten pounds a-year,— Of Nuns, who did against temptation pray, And discipline laid on the pleasant way: Or that, to please the malice of the town, Our poet should in some close cell have shown Some sister, playing at content alone: This they did hope; the other side did fear; And both, you see, alike are cozened here. Some thought the title of our play to blame; They liked the thing, but yet abhorred the name: Like modest punks, who all you ask afford, But, for the world, they would not name that word. Yet, if you'll credit what I heard him say, Our poet meant no scandal in his play; His Nuns are good, which on the stage are shown, And, sure, behind our scenes you'll look for none.
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Footnotes:

  1. A common name for a cat, being that by which the representative of the feline race is distinguished in the History of Reynard the Fox. See Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
  2. vStickle. To interfere.
  3. Rondaches. Targets or bucklers. These were a part of the equipment of a serenader. See that of Quevedo's Night Adventurer.