An Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber, Volume 1 (of 2) / Written by Himself. A New Edition with Notes and Supplement

by Colley Cibber

"The Stage would need no Farce, nor Song nor Dance,

Nor Capering Monsieur brought from Active France."

And in the Epilogue (not Prologue, as Cibber says):—

"Show but a Mimick Ape, or French Buffoon,

You to the other House in Shoals are gone,

And leave us here to Tune our Crowds alone.

Must Shakespear, Fletcher, and laborious Ben,

Be left for Scaramouch and Harlaquin?"

[ [351] In "The Constant Couple," and its sequel, "Sir Harry Wildair."

[ [352] This theatre, opened 9th April, 1705, was burnt down 17th June, 1788; rebuilt 1791; again burnt in 1867. During its existence it has borne the name of Queen's Theatre, Opera House, King's Theatre, and its present title of Her Majesty's Theatre.