They should favour the Age
That does cherish the Stage,
Since kind to their Ghostly performance;
Remembring late days
When Lawn Sleeves, and Plays,
Were cry'd down, an equal enormance.
But see the result
Of their quicunque vult,
Her Majesty made Proclamation;
'Twixt the Scenes that none stay,
That all Bullies should pay,
And sponge no more for Recreation.
That no Plays be rude
Immoral or lewd,
In Betterton's Province or Riches,
All Masque's lay'd away,
Which is done since that day,
For now they come mobb'd up like Witches.
All this being obey'd
Is still of our side,
Since the Profit is our chiefest matter;
But of all that have been,
The commands of the Queen,
She has not forbid us our Satyr.
Which is a new[1] Case
We may properly raise,
Where a Gown-man did furnish the matter;
For proof of it all
Ask at Westminster Hall,
How the Clergyman Marry'd his Daughter.
Good sence that is shewn
Without Blunder or Tone,
Preach'd by heart too, to make it more Charming;
A Devout sober life,
Never stirring up strife,
All prejudice must be disarming.
- ↑ Doyley's Case
late try'd.
