The Harlot's Progress (1733), The Rake's Progress (Ms., ca. 1778-1780)Cibber, Theophilus
General
The Harlot's Progress (1733), The Rake's Progress (Ms., ca. 1778-1780)
Cibber, Theophilus
English drama -- 18th century
E'en Ma'am, so proud of grand Parade
Who at the Race-course makes her Bett
Or runs to Ball & Masquerade
'Till she runs herself o'er Ears in debt
Tho 'my devoirs don't please her much,
We meet, I every art essay
She's mine by a Necromantic touch
Because I has such a taking Vay.
(3.)
Box-lobby Loungers to my will
Obedient Yield, I change their Song
From bullying Bass to Treble Shrill
E'en Dammes tremble on their Tongue;
I mimicry too; practice much,
In taking off great Art display
I'm quite at home by a single touch,
Because I has such a taking Vay. (_They Retire._)
Enter _Sarah Young_ & her _Servant Girl_, with a Box--on which is
written "Sarah Young"--_Bailiffs_, come forward, look pryingly
about--The Chair comes on P.S. _Bailiff_ stops _Rake_ and arrests
him,--_Boy_ Steals his Cane--_Sarah Young_ pays the money for _Rake_, he
kisses her hand, returns into Chair & is carried back: She goes off O.P.
supported by her _Girl_; having left the Contents of her Box on the
Ground--The Shoe-Boy is picking them up, when _Clown_ Enters, who reads,
& recollects the name, disputes with _Boy_ about the Contents of the
Box, & seeing his Master's Cane claims it--a Scuffle ensues.--Whenever
_Clown_ attempts to Strike _Boy_--_Boy_ throws his Stool in _Clown's_
way over which he breaks his Shins--_Clown_ has already a great Leak in
his Hat, & finding a Muff in the Box, wears it, & apes the _Welchman_
who is going to Court.
* * * * *
_Scene 8^{th}_
_Bells Ringing--Marrow Bones & Cleavers &c &c_
_Rake & Old Woman._ Richly dress'd coming from Church. _Men Servants_ in
Rich Liveries--_Clown._--_old Lady's maid Serv^{t.}_ &c all in
favours.--_Parish Clerk_ Bows very low--_Old Lady_ Stops & makes him a
present--_Marrow Bones & Cleavers_ beg of _Rake_ who throws money on the
Ground, they Scramble for it. Company go off.--Tune during the Whole
time--"Mind the Golden Rule." _Sarah Young_, on coming out of Church,
faints against a Monument: Recovers to see them go off--Looks after
them.--pause--Sings
_Air.--Tune--"Mary's Lamentation."_
I sigh, I lament me in vain
The Chill wind Re-echo's my moan;
Alas, what can equal my pain--
When I think that for ever he's gone.
My Eyes, when they're raised above,
View Birds as they wanton in Air
Sweet Birds!--Ye are coupled by Love
I weep & I sink in despair.
Tho' Affection be all turn'd to hate
And that Hate be the Sum of my woes
My fears will arrise for his Fate,
I cannot divest me of those.
Base Man! know in Ages to come,
Thy falsehood detested Shall be
And when I am Cold in my tomb
Some Heart still shall sorrow for me. (_Bell Tolls._)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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