PROLOGUE At the opening of the THEATRE ROYAL, HAY-MARKET, June, 1786. Spoken by Mr. BENSLEY

Le SAGE, of life and manners no mean teacher, Draws an Archbishop, once a famous preacher; Till apoplex'd at last, his congregation Smelt Apoplexy in each dull Oration.

Our Chief, alas, since here we parted last, Has many a heavy hour of anguish past; Meanwhile by Malice it was said and written, His mind and body both at once were smitten; Yet now return'd in promising condition, Alive, in very spite of his Physician, Again with rapture hails the generous town, Sure that Misfortune never meets their Frown!

Fam'd Pasquin, his applauded predecessor, 'Gainst Wit and Humour never a transgressor, Still cheer'd your vacant hour with jest and whim, When hapless chance depriv'd him of a limb: But you who long enjoy'd the tree's full shade, Cherish'd the Pollard, and were well repaid, Shall then his Follower less your favour share, Or rais'd by former kindness, now despair? No! from your smiles deriving all his light, Those genial beams shall make his flame more bright. Warm Gratitude for all your kindness past Shall sooth Disease, and charm Affliction's blast: By Reason's twilight we may go astray, But honest Nature sheds a purer ray; While more by feeling than cold caution led, The heart corrects the errors of the head.

Cheer'd by these hopes he banishes all fear, And trusts at least, you'll find No Palsy here.