Volume 2 — PROLOGUE,
Reading edition
WHEN REVIVED.
As some raw squire, by tender mother bred, 'Till one-and-twenty keeps his maidenhead; (Pleased with some sport, which he alone does find; And thinks a secret to all humankind;) 'Till mightily in love, yet half afraid, He first attempts the gentle dairy maid: Succeeding there, and, led by the renown Of Whetston's park, he comes at length to town; Where entered, by some school-fellow or friend, He grows to break glass windows in the end: His valour too, which with the watch began, Proceeds to duel, and he kills his man. By such degrees, while knowledge he did want, Our unfledged author writ a Wild Gallant. He thought him monstrous lewd, (I lay my life) Because suspected with his landlord's wife; But, since his knowledge of the town began, He thinks him now a very civil man; And, much ashamed of what he was before, Has fairly play'd him at three wenches more. 'Tis some amends his frailties to confess; Pray pardon him his want of wickedness: He's towardly, and will come on apace; His frank confession shows he has some grace. You baulked him when he was a young beginner, And almost spoiled a very hopeful sinner; But if once more you slight his weak endeavour, For aught I know, he may turn tail forever;
DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
Lord NONSUCH, an old rich humorous lord. Justice TRICE, his neighbour. Mr LOVEBY, the Wild Gallant. Sir TIMOROUS, a bashful knight. FAILER, } hangers-on of Sir TIMOROUS. BURR, } BIBBER, a tailor. SETSTONE, a jeweller.
Lady CONSTANCE, Lord NONSUCH'S daughter, Madam ISABELLA, her cousin. Mrs BIBBER, the tailors wife.
Serjeants, Boy to LOVEBY, Servants, a Bawd and Whores, Watch and Constable.