John Henry Dryden

Here you will find the Poem Prologue For The Women, When They Acted at the Old Theatre, Lincoln's-Inn-Fields of poet John Henry Dryden

Prologue For The Women, When They Acted at the Old Theatre, Lincoln's-Inn-Fields

Were 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, 
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 stolen in garrets, on the humble rug. 
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 mask, and o'er the benches stride: 
Here are convenient upper boxes too, 
For those that make the most triumphant show; 
All, that keep coaches, 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, 
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.