A Prologue, intended to be spoken on the Author's first appearance on the Stage, in the Character of George…

Before this awful court, to-night appears, A youth of tragic parts, yet full of fears; Bashful and young, he ventures on the stage, Hoping your kind attention to engage; Barnwell's the theme, wherein he means to shew That youth's misfortunes, and excessive woe; By which he hopes to draw a tender tear From you kind auditors that's fitting here; But ah! he fears that some stern wag will say, "That stripling sure can never Barnwell play; "He has not courage, wants a bolder face "To act young Barnwell with a decent grace." But soft, (pauses) I think he told me, if I'm right, He dreamt a dream most wonderful last night; He thought that he was acting on the stage, And in an instant burst into a rage; On hearing of a critic in the pit, Exclaim against him with his nauseous wit; But presently he thought he was appeas'd, By gen'rous friendship, which to him increas'd; 'Twas Lady Dorothea that stood his friend And with this critic did herself contend; For she quite vex'd, he thought, rose up at last, And cry'd, "Sir Critic, you condemn too fast; "For know that I'm a judge, and sure can tell, "That he's the very thing for young Barnwell; "Behold his figure, action, voice and mien, "God! was there ever such a Barnwell seen; "By Heavens for the lad I'm all on fire, "For his success my heart glows with defire; "Then t' oblige me, Critic, I prithee stop, "And o'er your censures let the curtain drop." On these imagin'd things the youth relies, And your indulgence in this enterprize; And he his utmost efforts means to try, For reasons many,—and I'll tell you why, First, then, your praises, which he hopes t' obtain; Secondly for honor, if he's not too vain; And lastly, for pleasure, and some little gain. Thus I conclude, for I no more must say, It is now quite time to begin the play, And hark! the prompter calls I must away.