Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Department of Miscellany.

A PROLOGUE,
On opening the Theatre at Botany Bay, spoken by
the celebrated Mr. Barrington.

FROM distant climes, o'er wide spread seas we come,
Though, not with much eclat or beat of drum;
True Patriots all, for be it understood,
We left our country for our country's good.
No private views disgraced our generous zeal,
What urg'd our travels was our country's weal;
And none will doubt but that our emigration,
Has proved most useful to the British nation.
But you inquire, what could our breasts inflame
With this new passion for theatrick fame;
What in the practice of our former days,
Could shape our talents to exhibit plays?
Your patience Sirs, some observations made,
You'll grant us equal to the scenic trade.
He who to midnight ladders is no stranger,
You'll own, will make an admirable Ranger.
To see Macbeth we have not far to roam,
And sure in Filch I shall be quite at home.
Unrivall'd there none will dispute my claim
To high pre-eminence and exalted fame.
As oft on Gad's Hill we have ta'en our stand,
When 'twas so dark you could not see your hand;
Some true bred Falstaff we may hope to start,
Who when well bolster'd, well will play his part,
The scene to vary we shall try in time,
To treat you with a little Pantomine.
There light and easy Columbines are found,
And well-tried Harlequins with us abound:
From durance vile our precious selves to keep,
We often have recourse to the flying leap,
To a black face have sometimes ow'd escape,
And Hounslow Heath has proved the worth of crape.
But how, you ask, can we e'er hope to soar,
Above these scenes, and rise to tragick lore?
Too oft, alas, we forc'd the unwilling tear,
And petrified the heart with real fear,
Macbeth a harvest of applause will reap,
For some of us I fear have murdered sleep.
This Lady too, with grace will sleep and talk,
Our Females have been used at night to walk.
Sometimes indeed, so various is our art,
An actor may improve and mend his part:
Give me a horse! bawls Richard like a drone,
We'll find a man would help himself to one.
Grant us your favour-put us to the test,
To gain your smiles we'll do our very best;
And without dread of future Turnkey lockeys.
Thus, in an honest way, still pick your pockets.