PROLOGUE TO TONY LUMPKIN IN TOWN. A Farce written by Mr. O'KEEFFE, Spoken by Mr. PALMER. 1776

If there's a Critick here, who hates what's low, We humbly beg the Gentleman would go; He's very welcome to have seen the play, To take his money back, and walk away. Our Poet is the fearfull'st man on earth, And fears too much sour sense may spoil your mirth; He wishes plain blunt folks, that laugh and cry, As nature prompts, and ask no reason why. To night no Two Act Comedy you'll view, But a mere Farce! the characters not new, And all your old acquaintance: TONY LUMPKIN, In town, 'tis true, but still a Country Bumpkin. His friend, TIM TICKLE too, who danc'd the Bear; Bruin, the Bear himself—nay never stare! He shall not hurt you, ladies—keep your places! The Bear-leader has given him the Graces. This rustick groupe, Bear, Bear-leader, 'Squire, Clown, The frolick Muse of Farce now drives to town. Her elder sister, Comedy, has Wit; But Farce has Fun, and oft a lucky Hit, If she yields laugh, a laugh let none despise; Be merry, if you can, and not too wise.