The text of the prologue is here given as printed in Cradock’s _Memoirs_, 1828, iii. 8–9. It is unnecessary to specify the variations between this and the earlier issue of 1771. In these bold times, etc. The reference is to Cook, who, on June 12, 1771, had returned to England in the _Endeavour_, after three years’ absence, having gone to Otaheite to observe the transit of Venus (l. 4). Botanists. Mr. (afterward Sir Joseph) Banks and Dr. Solander, of the British Museum, accompanied Cook. go simpling, i.e. gathering simples, or herbs. Cf. _Merry Wives of Windsor_, Act iii, Sc. 3:— ‘—These lisping hawthorn buds that ... smell like Bucklersbury in _simple_-time.’ In the caricatures of the day Solander figured as ‘The _simpling_ Macaroni.’ (See note, p. 247, l. 31.) With Scythian stores. The scene of the play was laid in Scythia (_v. supra_). to make palaver, to hold a parley, generally with the intention of cajoling. Two of Goldsmith’s notes to Garrick in 1773 are endorsed by the actor—‘Goldsmith’s parlaver.’ (Forster’s _ Life_, 1871, ii. 397.) mercenary. Cradock gave the profits of _Zobeide_ to Mrs. Yates. ‘I mentioned the disappointment it would be to you’—she says in a letter to him dated April 26, 1771—‘as you had generously given the emoluments of the piece to me.’ (_Memoirs_, 1828, iv. 211.) THRENODIA AUGUSTALIS. Augusta, widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and mother of George the Third, died at Carlton House, February 8, 1772. This piece was spoken and sung in Mrs. Teresa Cornelys’s Great Room in Soho Square, on the Thursday following (the 20th), being sold at the door as a small quarto pamphlet, printed by William Woodfall. The author’s name was not given; but it was prefaced by this ‘advertisement,’ etc.:— ‘The following may more properly be termed a compilation than a poem. It was prepared for the composer in little more than two days: and may be considered therefore rather as an industrious effort of gratitude than of genius. In justice to the composer it may likewise be right to inform the public, that the music was adapted in a period of time equally short. SPEAKERS. _Mr. Lee and Mrs. Bellamy._ SINGERS. _Mr. Champnes, Mr. Dine, and Miss Jameson; with twelve chorus singers. The music prepared and adapted by Signor Vento._ It is—as Cunningham calls it—a ‘hurried and unworthy off-spring of the muse of Goldsmith.’