28 PROLOGUE SPOKEN BY MR. GARRICK, At the Opening of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 1747. WHEN Learning's triumph o'er her barb'rous foes Then Jonson came, instructed from the school, For those, who durst not censure, scarce could praise. The wits of Charles found easier ways to fame, Nor wish'd for Jonson's art, or Shakspeare's flame. Themselves they studied, as they felt they writ; Intrigue was plot, obscenity was wit. Vice always found a sympathetic friend ; They pleas'd their age, and did not aim to mend. Their cause was genʼral, their supports were strong, Their slaves were willing, and their reign was long: Till Shame regain'd the post that Sense betray'd, And Virtue call'd Oblivion to her aid. Then, crush'd by rules, and weaken'd as refin'd, Perhaps (for who can guess th' effects of chance?) * Hunt, a famous boxer on the stage; Mahomet, a ropedancer, who had exhibited at Covent Garden Theatre the winter before, said to be a Turk. Then prompt no more the follies you decry, As tyrants doom their tools of guilt to die; 'Tis yours, this night, to bid the reign commence Of rescued Nature and reviving Sense; To chase the charms of Sound, the pomp of Show, For useful Mirth and salutary Woe; Bid scenick Virtue form the rising age, And Truth diffuse her radiance from the stage. |