EPILOGUE TO THE COMEDY OF "THE SISTERS." WHAT? five long acts—and all to make us wiser! Warm'd up each bustling scene, and, in her rage, But how? ay, there's the rub! [pausing] I've got my cue: The world's a masquerade! the masquers, you, you, you. [To Boxes, Pit, and Gallery Lud! what a group the motley scene discloses ! False wits, false wifes, false virgins, and false spouses! Patriots in particoloured suits that ride 'em : These in their turn, with appetites as keen, Miss, not yet full fifteen, with fire uncommon, Flings down her sampler, and takes up the woman! [Mimicking. Strip but this vizor off, and, sure I am, If I proceed, our bard will be undone ! Well, then, a truce, since she requests it too : Do you spare her, and I'll for once spare you. Enter Mrs. Bulkley, who curtsies very low as beginning to speak. Then enter Miss Catley, who stands full before her, and curtsies to the audience. MRS. BULKLEY. HOLD, Ma'am, your pardon. What's your business here? MISS CATLEY. The Epilogue. MRS. BULKLEY. The Epilogue? MISS CATLEY. Yes, the Epilogue, my dear. MRS. BULKLEY. Sure you mistake, Ma'am. The Epilogue I bring it. MISS CATLEY. Excuse me, Ma'am. The Author bid me sing it. Recitative. Ye beaux and belles, that form this splendid ring, MRS. BULKLEY. Why sure the girl's beside herself: an Epilogue of singing, A hopeful end indeed to such a blest beginning. Besides, a singer in a comic set! Excuse me, Ma'am, I know the etiquette. MRS. BULKLEY. And she, whose party's largest, shall proceed. I've all the critics and the wits for me. MISS CATLEY. I'm for a different set.-Old men, whose trade is Recitative. Who mump their passion, and who, grimly smiling, Still thus address the fair with voice beguiling. Air-Cotillon. Turn, my fairest, turn, if ever Strephon caught thy ravished eye; Yes, I shall die, hu, hu, hu, hu, MRS. BULKLEY. Let all the old pay homage to your merit : Of French friseurs, and nosegays, justly vain, |