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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PROLOGUE FOR THE WOMEN, WHEN THEY ACTED AT THE OLD THEATRE by JOHN DRYDEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: WERE NONE OF YOU, GALLANTS, E'ER DRIVEN SO HARD
Last Line: THE GAUDY HOUSE WITH SCENES WILL SERVE FOR CITS.
Subject(s): ACTORS & ACTRESSES; PLAYS & PLAYWRIGHTS ; THEATER & THEATERS; WOMEN; ACTRESSES; DRAMATISTS; STAGE LIFE;

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 Bystreet
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 stol'n in Garrets, on the humble Rugg,
Here's good Accommodation in the Pit;
The Grave demurely in the midst may sit,
And so the hot @3Burgundian@1 on the Side
Ply Vizard Masque, 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 @3Lovers, Braves, and Wits@1;
The gaudy House with Scenes will serve for @3Cits@1.



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