EPILOGUE TO "THE WONDER; OR, A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET." Intended to have been spoken, in the character of Violante, at a private Theatre, in Hampshire. 1787. BY S. E. BRYDGES, ESQ. WELL; I am glad that we to-night have shewn And if perchance these fellows draw our pictures, Why then forsooth all merit to divest, Of these same fellows, to themselves so blind! Then at a distance still pursue the pack, The many hours they to the toilet spare, Would make the very vainest female stare.Then forth they wander, and in every street Some silly coxcomb one is sure to meet, Who seems to say" I look so well to-day, "Methinks no female heart goes safe away." Coquets at heart by tenfold more than we, To wound a female bosom is their glee: Their power once proved, they laugh to see the dart Transfix for life some wretched woman's heart. Now for the Wonder if we keep a Secret !— When their faith's pledg'd, pray do they never break it? if ever in a yielding hour, Yes, yes, Fond woman puts her virtue in their power, On their tongue's tip the mighty secret lies; But we a Woman's Secret kept can boast, "THE ORPHAN SAILOR-BOY." BY EDMUND L. SWIFT, ESQ. 1. TOM HAULYARD was a Seaman brave, 2. Twice thirty Years TOM HAULYARD fought, 3. Three noble Sons around him stood In all the pride of strength and health; And, while each manly form he view'd, Kings might have envied HAULYARD'S wealth.. 4. But Toм, his namesake, best he lov'd, Yet well a parent's fondness prov'd The love he bore each darling Boy. 5. Now Britain's foes provok'd the war, To raise her standard's fearless pride: 6. Now in the honor'd ship that bore The auspicious sign of CHARLOTTE's name, Intrepid Howe from Britain's shore To meet the foes of Britain came. 7. Oh, peace be on the hallow'd tomb And ever 8. And now advanc'd the daring foe, And now each British heart beat high :-Oh God!-How many wounds must flow, How many Christian men must die! 9. The Squadrons meet-the dread array 10. Oh Christ! It was a fearful sight To see the wounds that countless bled; But oh, the horrors of the fight To tell, would wake the sleeping dead!— 11. Among the rest TOM HAULYARD stood, A rock above the rolling flood, He hurl'd back ruin on his foes. 12. His gallant Sons around him drew 13. And now, alas!-One death-wing'd ball 14. In either Fleet conflicting fires A thousand bloody deaths illume:→→ Huzza! Huzza!-the foe retires! But HENRY meets his brother's doom! 15. TOM HAULYARD was a Seaman bold, 16. Ah no!-beneath the fatal stroke, 17. Nor long he stood-One iron shower, TOM HAULYARD sank beneath the blow. |