html.skin-theme-clientpref-night @media(prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os }As sprightly sunbeams gild the face of day,
When low'ring tempests calmly glide away,
So when the Poet's dark horizon clears,
Array'd in smiles, the Epilogue appears.
She, of that house the lively emblem still,
Whose brilliant speakers start what themes they will,
Still varying topicks for her sportive rhymes
From all the follies of these fruitful times,
Uncheck'd by forms, with flippant hand may cull,
Prologues, like Peers, by privilege are dull.
In solemn strain address th' assembled Pit,
The legal judges of dramatic wit,
Confining still with dignified decorum,
Their observations,—to the Play before 'em.
Now when each batchelor a helpmate lacks,
(That sweet exemption from a double Tax)
When laws are fram'd with a benignant plan
Of light'ning burdens on the married man,
And Hymen adds one solid comfort more
To all those comforts he conferr'd before,
To smooth the rough laborious road to fame
Our bard has chosen—an alluring name.
As wealth in wedlock oft is known to hide
The imperfections of a homely bride,
This tempting title, he perhaps expects,
May heighten beauties,—and conceal defects:
Thus sixty's wrinkles, view'd thro' fortune's glass,
The rosy dimples of sixteen surpass:
The modern suitor, grasps his fair one's hand,
O'erlooks her person, and adores———her land;
Leers on her houses with an ogling eye,
O'er her rich acres heaves an am'rous sigh,
His heartfelt pangs thro' groves of—timber vents,
And runs distracted for—her three per cents.
Will thus the Poet's mimic Heiress find,
The bridegroom critic to her failings blind,
Who claims, alas! his nicer taste to hit,
The Lady's portion paid in sterling wit?
On your decrees, to fix her future fate,
Depends our Heiress for her whole estate:
Rich in your smiles, she charms th' admiring town;
A very bankrupt, should your chance to frown:
O may a verdict, giv'n in your applause,
Pronounce the prosp'rous issue of her cause,
Confirm the name an anxious parent gave her,
And prove her Heiress of—the Public Favour!