PROLOGUE On Opening the New THEATRE ROYAL in LIVERPOOL, On Friday, June 5, 1772. Spoken by Mr. YOUNGER

Wherever Commerce spreads the swelling sail, Letters and Arts attend the prosp'rous gale. When Caesar first these regions did explore, And northward his triumphant Eagles bore, Rude were Britannia's sons—a hardy race— Their faith, idolatry; their life, the chace. But soon as Traffick fix'd her social reign, Join'd Pole to Pole, and nations to the Main, Each art and science follow'd in her train. Augusta then her pomp at large display'd, The seat of majesty, the mart of trade; The British Muse unveil'd her awful mien, And Shakespeare, Jonson, Fletcher, grac'd the Scene.

Long too has Mersey roll'd her golden tide, And seen proud vessels in her harbours ride: Oft on her banks the Muse's sons would roam, And wish'd to settle there a certain home; Condenm'd, alas! to hawk unlicens'd Bayes, Contraband Mummeries, and smuggled Plays! Your fost'ring care at length reliev'd their woes: Under your auspices this Staple rose. Hence made free merchants of the letter'd world, Boldly advent'ring forth with sails unfurl'd, To Greece and Rome, Spain, Italy and France, We trade for Play and Op'ra, Song and Dance. Peace to his shade, who first pursu'd the plan! You lov'd the Actor—for you lov'd the Man. True to himself, to all mankind a friend, By honest means he gain'd each honest end. You, like kind Patrons, who his virtues knew, Prompt to applaud, and to reward them too, Crown'd his last moments with his wish obtain'd, A ROYAL CHARTER by your bounty gain'd!