EPILOGUE, Design'd for Mrs. WOFFINGTON in the Character of a Volunteer

Curse on all Cowards! say I—why—bless my Eyes— No—no—it can't be true—this Gazette lyes— Our Men retreat before a scrub Banditi, Who scarce could fright the Buff-coats of the City! Well—if 'tis so, and that our Men won't stand, 'Tis time we Women take the Thing in Hand— Thus, in my Country's Cause, I now appear A bold, smart Khevenhuller Volunteer— And really, mark some Heroes in the Nation, You'll think this no unnat'ral Transformation: For if in Valour real Manhood lies, All Cowards are but—Women in Disguise—

They cry, These Rebels are so stout and tall! Ah! Lard! I'd lower the proudest of 'em all: Try but my Courage, place me in the Van, And, post me, if I don't bring down my Man— Had we an Army of such charging Wenches, What Man, d'ye think, would dare t' attack our Trenches? O! how the Cannon of our Eyes would maul 'em, But our mask'd Batt'ries—Lud! how they would gall 'em! No Rebel 'gainst such Force durst take the Field— For, damme! we wou'd die before we'd yield!

Joking aparr, we Women have strong Reason To stop the Progress of this Popish Treason: For now, when Female Liberty's at stake, All Women ought to bustle for its Sake. Should these audacious Sons of Rome prevail, Vows, Convents, and that Heathen Thing, a Veil, Must come in Fashion; and such Institutions Would suit but oddly with our Constitutions. What gay Coquet would like a Nun's Profession? And I've some private Reasons 'gainst Confession. Besides, our good Men of the Church, they say (Who now; thank Heav'n, may love, as well as pray), Must then be only wed to cloyster'd Houses— Hold! there we're fobb'd of twenty thousand Spouses; And, faith, no bad ones, as I'm told—Then judge ye, Is't fit we lose our—Benefit of Clergy?

In Freedom's Cause, ye Patriot Fair, arise; Exert the sacred Influence of your Eyes: On valiant Merit deign alone to smile, And vindicate the Glory of our Isle. To no base Cowards render up your Charms; Disband the Lover who deserts his Arms: So shall you fire each Hero to his Duty, And British Rights be fix'd by British Beauty.