A Century of Parody and Imitation

by Unknown

If the piece would prove a novelty, or one I'd seen before;

For a band of robbers drinking in a gloomy cave, and clinking

With their glasses on the table, I had witness'd o'er and o'er;

Since the half-forgotten period of my innocence was o'er;

Twenty years ago or more.

Presently my doubt grew stronger. I could stand the thing no longer;

'Miss,' said I, 'or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore.

Pardon my apparent rudeness. Would you kindly have the goodness

To inform me if this drama is from Gaul's enlightened shore?'

For I know that plays are often brought us from the Gallic shore;