English poem
EDWIN'S PILLS, &c, SONG
by John O'Keeffe (1747–1833)
An actor's a comical dog! Now frisky, now dull as a log; So changeable all, Now short, and now tall, Now plump, then as slim as a frog.
Now Paddy the brogue he puts on, Then struts with the pride of a Don, Now a French oui Monsieur, Then a Dutch yaw Mynheer, Or bra' Donald the head of his Clan.
How rarely they take in the town, From one shilling up to a crown! They pant, and they cry, Fight, tumble, and die! But laugh when the curtain is down.