Prologue, for the Women, when they Acted at the Old Theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Prologues and Epilogues. John Dryden. 1913. The Poems of John Dryden

John Dryden (1631–1700). The Poems of John Dryden. 1913.

Prologues and Epilogues

Prologue, for the Women, when they Acted at the Old Theatre in Lincoln’s Inn Fields


WERE 1 none of you, Gallants, e’er driven so hard,
As when the poor kind Soul was under guard,
And could not do’t at home, in some By-street
To take a Lodging, and in private meet?
Such is our Case; We can’t appoint our House,	5
The Lovers old and wonted Rendezvous,
But hither to this trusty Nook remove;
The worse the Lodging is, the more the Love.
For much good Pastime, many a dear sweet hug
Is stol’n in Garrets, on the humble Rugg,	10
Here’s good Accommodation in the Pit;
The Grave demurely in the midst may sit,
And so the hot Burgundian on the Side
Ply Vizard Masque, and o’er the Benches stride:
Here are convenient upper Boxes too,	15
For those that make the most triumphant show;
All that keep Coaches 2 must not sit below.
There, Gallants, you betwixt the Acts retire,
And at dull Plays have something to admire:
We, who look up, can your Addresses mark,	20
And see the Creatures coupled in the Ark:
So we expect the Lovers, Braves, and Wits;
The gaudy House with Scenes will serve for Cits.

Note 1. Text from the same, except as noted; Were] Where 1684: a misprint. [back]

Note 2. Coaches] Bell wrongly printed Couches. [back]