and _elegant_. The one in her air, and the other in her dress, never had her equal on the stage; and the ornaments she herself provided, (particularly in this play) seemed in all respects the _paraphernalia_ of a woman of quality. And of that sort were the characters she chiefly excelled in; but her natural good sense and lively turn of conversation made her way so easy to ladies of the highest rank, that it is a less wonder, if on the stage she sometimes _was_, what might have become the finest woman in real life to have supported. _Theatre-Royal_. _Jan. 27_, 172⅞ C. CIBBER. PROLOGUE, Spoken by Mr. _Wilks_. _This play took birth from principles of truth, To make amends for errors past, of youth. A bard, that's now no more, in riper days, Conscious review'd the licence of his plays: And tho' applause his wanton muse had fir'd, Himself condemn'd what sensual minds admir'd. At length, he own'd, that plays should let you see Not only, What you are, but ought to be; Though vice was natural, 'twas never meant The stage should shew it, but for punishment! Warm with that thought, his Muse once more took flame, Resolv'd to bring licentious life to shame. Such was the piece his latest pen design'd, But left no traces of his plan behind. Luxuriant scenes unprun'd or half contriv'd; Yet thro' the mass his native fire surviv'd: Rough, as rich ore, in mines the treasure lay, Yet still 'twas rich, and forms at length a play. In which the bold compiler boasts no merit, But that his pains have sav'd your scenes of spirit. Not scenes that would a noisy joy impart, But such as hush the mind and warm the heart. From praise of hands no sure account he draws, But fixt attention is sincere applause: If then (for hard you'll own the task) his art Can to those embryon-scenes new life impart, The living proudly would exclude his lays, And to the buried bard resign the praise._ Dramatis Personæ. MEN. Lord _Townly_, of a regular life, Mr. _Wilks_. Mr. _Manly_, an admirer of Lady _Grace_, Mr. _Mills_ sen. Sir _Francis Wronghead_, a country gentleman, Mr. _Cibber_, sen. Squire _Richard_, his son, a mere whelp, Young _Wetherelt_. Count _Basset_, a gamester, Mr. _Bridgewater_. _John Moody_, servant to Sir _Francis_, } Mr. _Miller_. an honest clown, } WOMEN. Lady _Townly_, immoderate in her } Mrs. _Oldfield_. pursuit of pleasures, } Lady _Grace_, sister to Lady _Townly_, } Mrs. _Porter_. of exemplary virtue, } Lady _Wronghead_, wife to Sir _Francis_, } Mrs. _Thurmond_. inclin'd to be a fine lady, }