Were none of you, gallants, e'er driven so hard, As when the poor kind soul was under guard, And could not do't at home, in some by-street To take a lodging, and in private meet? Such is our case; we can't appoint our house, The lovers' old and wonted rendezvous, But hither to this trusty nook remove; The worse the lodging is, the more the love. For much good pastime, many a dear sweet hug, Is stolen in garrets, on the humble rug. Here's good accommodation in the pit; The grave demurely in the midst may sit, And so the hot Burgundian[333] on the side, Ply vizard mask, and o'er the benches stride: Here are convenient upper boxes too, } For those that make the most triumphant show;} All that keep coaches, must not sit below. } There, gallants, you betwixt the acts retire, And, at dull plays, have something to admire: We, who look up, can your addresses mark, And see the creatures coupled in the ark: So we expect the lovers, braves, and wits; The gaudy house with scenes[334] will serve for cits. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 333: That is, the consumer of Burgundy, or drunken bully of the day.] [Footnote 334: Dorset-Garden theatre, where the Duke's company acted various shewy pieces, directed by D'Avenant.] PROLOGUE SPOKEN AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW HOUSE, MARCH 26, 1674. _The Drury-Lane theatre, after being burned in_ 1671-2, _was rebuilt upon a plan furnished by Sir Christopher Wren_, _who superintended the execution_. _It is said to have been most admirably planned, but spoiled by some injudicious alterations in the course of building. The following Prologue informs us, that the exterior decorations were plain and simple in comparison to those of the rival house in Dorset Gardens, which, as repeatedly noticed, had been splendidly fitted up under the direction of D'Avenant, noted for his attachment to stage pomp and shew. It appears that Charles II., who was possessed of considerable taste, and did not disdain to interest himself in the affairs of the drama, had himself recommended to the King's company, the simplicity and frugality of scenery and ornament to which the poet alludes. The other house were not unapt to boast of the superior splendour which is here conceded to them. In the epilogue to_ "_Psyche_" _the actors boast_, ----Gallants, you can tell, No foreign stage can ours in pomp excel; And here none e'er shall treat you half so well. Poor players have this day such splendour shown, Which yet but by great monarchs has been done. _D'Avenant, by whom the Duke's company were long directed, was the first who introduced regular scenery upon a public stage. His drama of the "Siege of Rhodes" seems to have been the first exhibited with these decorations._--See MALONE'S Account of the English Stage."