Note 153 — HOGARTH ILLUSTRATED. (continued 2)
Reading edition
On the spirited style in which the late Miss Catley, of melodious memory, performed this character, the following lines were written; but I do not recollect having seen them printed:—
"Hail, vulgar goddess of the foul-mouth'd race! (If modest bard may hail without offence), On whose majestic, blush-disdaining face, The steady hand of Fate wrote—IMPUDENCE! Hail to thy dauntless front, and aspect bold! Thrice hail! magnificent, immortal scold! "The goddess, from the upper gallery's height, With heedful look the jealous fishwife eyes; Though early train'd to urge the mouthing fight, She hears thy bellowing powers with new surprise; Returns instructed to the realms that bore her, Adopts thy tones, and carries all before her. "From thee the roaring Bacchanalian crew, In many a tavern round the Garden known, Learn richer blackguard than they ever knew: They catch thy look,—they copy every tone; They ape the brazen honours of thy face, And push the jorum with a double grace. "Thee from his box the macaroni eyes; With levell'd tube he takes his distant stand, Trembling beholds the horrid storm arise, And feels for reinhold when you raise your hand; At distance he enjoys the boisterous scene, And thanks his God the pit is plac'd between. "So, 'midst the starry honours of the night, The sage explores a comet's fiery course; Fearful he views its wild eccentric flight, And shudders at its overwhelming force: At distance safe he marks the glaring ray, Thankful his world is not within its way. "Proceed then, Catley, in thy great career, And nightly let our maidens hear and see, The sweetest voice disgust the listening ear, The sweetest form assume deformity: Thus shalt thou arm them with their best defence, And teach them modesty by impudence."