PROLOGUE TO THE SPANISH BARBER. Spoken by Mr. PARSONS in the Character of PAUL PRIG, in Mr. FOOTE's Comedy of…

Once more from Ludgate-Hill behold Paul Prig! The same spruce air you see! same coat! same wig! A Mercer smart and dapper, all allow, As ever at shop door shot off a bow. This summer—for I love a little Prance— This summer, gentlefolks, I've been to France, To mark the Fashions and to learn to dance. I, and dear Mrs. Prig—the first of Graces! At Calais in the Diligence took places; Travell'd thro' Boulogne, Amiens, and Chantilly, All in a line—as straight as Piccadilly! To Paris come, their dresses made me stare— Their fav'rite colour is the French Queen's Hair! They're all so fine, so shabby, and so gay, They look like Chimney-sweepers on May-day! Silks of all colours in the rainbow there! A Joseph's coat appears the common wear. Of some I brought home Patterns; one To-night We mean to shew—'tis true it is but slight; But then for Summer wear, you know that's right. A Little Weaver, whom I long have known, Has work'd it up, and begs to have it shewn— But pray observe, my friends—'tis not his own. I brought it over—nay, if it miscarries, He'll cry—"'tis none of mine, it came from Paris." But should you like it, he'll soon let you know " 'Twas spun and manufactur'd in Soho." —'T had a great run abroad; which always yields Work for our Grub-street, and our Spitalfields. France charms our Ladies, naked Bards and Beaux, Who smuggle thence their learning and their cloaths; Buckles like gridirons, and wigs on springs; Têtes built like towers, and rumps like Ostrich wings. If this Piece please, each Summer I'll go over, And fetch new Patterns by the Straits of Dover.