Science in books no longer we pursue, Their pious incense let our neighbours bring, PROLOGUE TO THE ORPHAN. Represented by some of the Westminster-Scholars, at Hickford's dancing-room in Panton-ftreet, near Spoken by the Lord DUPLIN, who acted CORDELIO. + W HAT! would my humble comrades have me Gentle spectators, pray excuse the play? [fay? Such work by hireling actors shou'd be done, Whom you may clap or hiss for half a crown: • Sir Thomas Wlite was the founder of St. John's College, Oxon; and the greatest benefactor, next to him, was Archbishop Laud. + The Page in the Orphan, Our gen'rous scenes for friend thip we repeat; How shall we gain your Alamode de France? Shall we procure you symphony and sound ? Then you must each subscribe two hundred pound, There we should fail too, as to point of voice : Mistake us not : We're no Italian bog's : 'True Britons born : from Westminster we come; And only speak the style of antient Rome. We would deserve, not poorly beg applause; And stand or fall by Friend's and Busby's laws. For the distress'd your pity we implore : If once refus'd, we'll trouble you no more, But leave our Orphan squalling at your door. Τ Η Ε Ε Ν D. |