imkzt, in die practice of our former days, 

 d shape our talents to exhibit pi I 

 r patience, Sirs, some observations made, 

 You'll grant as equal to the scenic trade. 



He, who to midnight ladders i$no stranger, 

 You'll own will make an admirable Ran: 

 To seek Mackheath wc have not fax to roam, 

 And sure in filch I shall be quite at home. 



: vailed there, none will dispute my claim 

 To high pre-eminence and exalted fume. 



As oft on Gadshill we have ta'eu our stand, 

 When 'twas so dark you could, not see your hand, 

 Some true-bred Fabtafi" we may hope fo start, 

 Who, when weil-boUter'd, well will play his pact. 

 The scene to vary, we shall try in time 

 To treat you with a little pantomime. 

 Here light and easy Columbines are found, 

 And well-tried Harlequins with us abound ; 

 From durance vile oar precious selves to keep, 

 We often had recouse to th' flying leap ; 

 To a black face have sometimes oVd 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 Tragic lore ? 

 oft, alas, we've forcM th' unwimng tear, 

 And petrified the heart with real fear. 

 Macbeth, a harvest of applause will reap. 

 For some of us, I fear, have raurder'd sleep ; 

 His lady too with grace wilL sleep and talk, 

 Our females have been us'd at night to 'walk. 



Sometimes, indeed, so various is our art, 

 An actor may improve and mend his part: 

 '• Give mea horse," bawls Richard, like a drone, 

 Well 'find a man would help bimseM 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 Lockits, 

 Th^iuanhontst way, snil pick your pockets. 



