The allusions to old usages, with the mention of many well-known ballads, and of some known no longer, contribute to give the present piece an interest and value of its own.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
- Heath, a broom-man.
- Bristle, a brush-man.
- Ditty, a ballad-man.
- Budget, a tinker.
- Gum, a tooth-drawer.
- Welcome, a host.
- Bung, a tapster.
- Fenneting, an apple-wench.
- Curds, a fresh cheese and cream woman.
[PROLOGUE.]
The style that banish'd Ovid and his book,
And, spite of's laurel made him thunderstrook,
Is banish'd from this scene by us; and here
Cato may come into the theatre.
At our love-tricks none need their eyelids crush,
Chaste vestals may look on without a blush:
Our cheats do take, if they but time beguile,
And all our plot is but to make you smile.
You're welcome then to London, which our show,
Since you mayn't go to that, has brought to you.
Pardon, if we offend you with our noise,
'Tis but an echo of their clamorous voice.