TIM. These comic presentments may properly resemble our comet apparitions, where their first darting begets impressions of an affectionate wonder or prophetic astonishment. The world, I must confess, is a ball racketed above the line and below into every hazard: but whimseys and careers challenge such influence over the judgment of our gallant refined wits; as their fancies must be humoured, and their humours tickled, or they leave our rooms discontented. So as the comedian's garden must find lettuce for all lips, or the disrelished poet must be untrussed, and paid home with a swingeing censure. This must be my fate; for I can expect no less from these satirical madams, whose ticklish resentment of their injured honour will make them kick before they be galled. But Timon is armed _cap-a-pie_ against all such feminine assailants. They shall find my scenes more modest than some of their actions have merited; and I must tell thee one thing by the way, my ingenious Trillo--that I never found more freedom in my sprightly genius, than in the very last night, when I set my period to this living fancy. But time and conveniences of the stage enjoin me to leave thee; make choice of thy place, and expect the sequel. [Sidenote: _Extremâ nocte nullam scænis feliciorem reperi._--Afran.] TRIL. May your acts live to a succeeding age, And the Ladies Alimony enrich your stage. [_Exeunt._ _After the third sound_-- PROLOGUE. _Madams, you're welcome; though our poet show A severe brow, it is not meant to you. Your virtues, like your features, they are such, They neither can be priz'd nor prais'd too much: Lov'd and admir'd wheres'ever you are known, Scorning to mix Platonics with your own: Sit with a pleasing silence, and take view Of forms vermillion'd in another hue. Who make free traffic of their nuptial bed, As if they had of fancy surfeited: Who come not here to hear our comic scenes, But to complete imaginary dreams With realler conceptions. If you mind them, Their new loves stand before, old loves behind them: And from that prospect this_ impresa _read, Rich pearls show best when they are set in lead. Such be your blameless beauties, which comply With no complexion but a native dye, Apt for a spousal hug, and, like rich ore, Admit one choice impression and no more. Those faces only merit our esteem, Seem what they be, and be the same they seem. For they who beauty clothe with borrow'd airs, May well disclaim them, being none of theirs. Here shall you see Nature adorn'd with skill, And if this do not please, sure, nothing will._ ACT II., SCENE 1. _Enter two_ BOYS. 1ST BOY. Room, room for the ladies of the new dress. 2D BOY. Thou styles them rightly, Tim; for they have played the snakes, and put off their old slough. New brooms sweep clean. Frosty age and youth suit not well together. These _bona-robas_ must sate their appetites with fresh cates, or their sharp attractive stomachs will be quickly cloyed.