PROLOGUE TO THE ROMAN FATHER, Acted at the Theatre at Bristol, on Friday, July 14, 1769. For the Family of…

When fancied sorrows wake the Player's art, A short-liv'd anguish seizes on the heart: Tears, real tears he sheds, feels real pain; But the dream vanish'd, he's himself again. No such relief, alas! his bosom knows, When the sad tear from home-felt sorrow flows: Passions cling round the soul, do all we can— He plays no part, and can't shake off the man. Where'er I tread, where'er I turn my eyes, Of my lost Friend new images arise. Can I forget, that from our earliest age, His talents known, I led him to the Stage? Can I forget, this circle in my view, His first great pride—to be approv'd by You? His soul, with ev'ry tender feeling blest, The holy flame of gratitude possest. Soft as the stream you sacred springs impart, The milk of human-kindness warm'd his heart. Peace, Peace be with him! may the present Stage Contend, like him, your favour to engage! May we, like him, deserve your kindness shown, Like him, with gratitude that kindness own! So shall our art pursue the noblest plan, And each good Actor prove an Honest Man.