PROLOGUE
Written by Mr. HOLCROFT, Spoken by Mr. BANNISTER, jun.
Prologues, with caustic touch, have often tried
To probe your spleen, prove knaves and fools allied;
Have twisted words and wit ten thousand ways,
To shew that these are most degenerate days!
A different task be ours.—We'll prove that you
Are wise and happy. Nay! tho' strange, 'tis true!
First on your
safety
think! now belles appear
By ample bulwarks guarded, front and rear!