THE

САМ Р:

A MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

PROLOGUE.

Written by RICHARD TICKELL, Esq.

THE stage is still the mirror of the day,
Where fashion's forms in bright succession play:
True to its end, what image can it yield,
In times like these, but the embattled field?
What juster semblance than the glittering plains
Of village warriors, and heroic swains!
Invasions, battles, now fill rumour's breath,
From camp to fleets, from Plymouth to Coxheath.
Through every rank some panic terrors spread,
And each in various phrase express their dread.
At 'Change, no vulgar patriot passions fright
The firm and philosophic-Israelite!
Ask him his hopes, " 'tis all de same to me!
"I fix my wishes by my policy.

"I'll do you Keppel; or increase De Barters."
You will, "I'll underwrite de Duc de Chartres."

Miss Tittup, gasping from her stiff French stays,

"Why if these French should come, we'll have French plays:

"Upon my word, I wish these wars would cease!"
Settling her tucker, while she sighs for peace.
With wilder throbs the glutton's bosom beats,
Anxious and trembling for West India fleets:

VOL. II.

M

Sir Gobble Greenfat felt, in pangs of death,
The ruling passion taint his parting breath:
Search in the latest as in all the past,
“Oh! save my turtle, Keppel!" was his last.
No pang like this the macaroni racks,
Calmly he dates the downfall of Almack's.
“As Gad's my judge, I shall be glad to see
"Our Paris friends here-for variety.

"The clubs are poor; let them their Louis bring,
"Th' invasion would be rather a good thing."
Perish such fears! what can our arms oppose,
When female warriors join our martial beaux ?
Fierce from the toilet the plumed bands appear;
Miss struts a major, ma'am a brigadier:
A spruce Bonduca simpers in the rear.
Unusual watch her femmes de chambre keep;
Militia phantoms haunt her in her sleep:

She starts, she wakes, she quivers, kneels and prays.
"Side-saddle my horse! ah, lace my stays!
"Soft, 'twas but a dream! my fears are vain,
"And Lady Minikin's herself again."

Yet hold, nor let false ridicule profane
These fair associates of th' embattled plain:
Victorious wreaths their efforts justly claim,

Whose praise is triumph, and whose smiles are fame.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ,

AS ORIGINALLY ACTED AT DRURY-LANE THEATRE, OCT. 15,