PROLOGUE, to the YOUNG LADIES' EXHIBITION, Oct. 5th. 1796

My gentle Sires now shall a little maid, Tho much indulged, yet more than half afraid, Approach your presence. Let her modest prayer Now reach your hearts, and find indulgence there: Let me with all this timerous, lovely band Your wonted candor, and regard demand. Cherished by you, we show in virtue's line How heaven hath blessed your generous design, While you the means of learning shall impart, A thousand virtues fill the female heart. Where knowledge shall disclose her plenteous store, There, lovely woman stoops to vice no more. If hireling actresses their scenes have shamed; And woman's virtue is by them defamed. What's that to us; who neither say nor do, What might offend the purest souls like you— If frowning critics would our souls affright, And say we boldly rush upon your sight, Nay, but we follow honor's, duty's, call, And, not invited, should not come at all. For us the kindest cares when parents show, Past every doubt; they have a right to know, If all their kindest, worthiest deeds are vain— Or they a parent's just applause may gain. To virtue only we attention claim, Our stage is but the path to honest fame. Attention then we ask, if that we gain, The liveliest pleasure pays our studious pain— Not eager censure then shall find a place, Nor blush of shame shall stain the fairest face; If every word, which shall our tho't display, Be soft as dews of heaven, and pure as they. On your kind hearts our hopes securely rest, Soft pity always fills a mother's breast— Your female hearts our maiden terrors know, And share a daughter's bliss, or daughter's woe. Your gentle smiles will our young hearts assure, That they the terrors of their task endure. Your countenance shall smooth the critic's frown, Till just success the lovely band shall crown. Your hearts shall throb with pleasures sweet and new, To see your virtues rise again to view. And the fair daughter of a beauteous wife, Shall make each husband bless the nuptial life. For purposes like these, we step to view, In fame unblemished and to virtue true. Our thanks shall reach the power that rules the skies, Who blessed our youth with parents, good and wise. Who rear their offspring with the kindest care, Nor cast their blossoms to the desart air. To show'r his blessings on each parent head, To HIM each morning earnest prayer is made, Whose goodness vast the universe surrounds; Exalts in every place and knows no bounds. If Heaven shall love you; but as much as we, How honored and how happy you shall be.