AN ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF A MAD DOG. 99 Around from all the neighbouring streets The wondering neighbours ran, And swore the dog had lost his wits, To bite so good a man. The wound it seemed both sore and sad And while they swore the dog was mad But soon a wonder came to light, That showed the rogues they lied; The man recovered of the bite, The dog it was that died. A PROLOGUE, WRITTEN AND SPOKEN BY THE POET LABERIUS, A Roman Knight whom Cæsar forced upon the Stage. PRESERVED BY MACROBIUS.* WHAT! no way left to shun th' inglorious stage, And save from infamy my sinking age! * This translation was first printed in one of our Author's earliest works, "The Present State of Learning in Europe," 12mo. 1759; but was omitted in the second edition, which appeared in 1774. PROLOGUE TO ZOBEIDE: A TRAGEDY. WRITTEN BY JOSEPH CRADDOCK, ESQ. First acted at the Theatre-Royal, Covent-Garden, 1772. SPOKEN BY MR. QUICK. In these bold times when learning's sons explore The distant climates, and the savage shore; And quit for Venus many a brighter here; With Cythian stores, and trinkets deeply laden, To make an observation on the shore, Where are we driven? our reckoning sure is lost! Yon ill-foreboding cloud seems big with thunder: [Upper Gallery. There mangroves spread, and larger than I've seen 'em [Pit. Here trees of stately size-and billing turtles in 'em [Balconies. I Here ill-conditioned oranges abound And apples, bitter apples strew the ground; The inhabitants are cannibals I fear : [Stage. [Tasting them. I heard a hissing-there are serpents here! O, there the people are-best keep my distance; This is his first adventure, lend him aid, And we may chance to drive a thriving trade. His goods, he hopes, are prime, and brought from far, Equally fit for gallantry and war. What, no reply to promises so ample? I'd best step back-and order up a sample. EPILOGUE SPOKEN BY MR. LEE LEWES, In the character of Harlequin, at his benefit. HOLD! ! Prompter, hold! a word before your nonsense; I'd speak a word or two to ease my conscience. My heels eclipsed the honours of my head; [Takes off his mask. |