Chapter XXXVI: Letter XII: Players

These are monarchs none respect;
Heroes, yet an humbled crew;
Nobles, whom the crowd correct;
Wealthy men, whom duns pursue;
Beauties, shrinking from the view
Of the day's detecting eye;
Lovers, who with much ado
Long-forsaken damsels woo,
And heave the ill-feign'd sigh.

These are misers, craving means
Of existence through the day;
Famous scholars, conning scenes
Of a dull bewildering play;
Ragged beaux and misses grey,
Whom the rabble praise and blame;
Proud and mean, and sad and gay,
Toiling after ease, are they,
Infamous[63], and boasting fame.

Players arrive in the Borough--Welcomed by their former Friends--Are
better fitted for Comic than Tragic Scenes: yet better approved in
the latter by one Part of their Audience--Their general Character
and Pleasantry--Particular Distresses and Labours--Their Fortitude
and Patience--A private Rehearsal--The Vanity of the aged
Actress--A Heroine from the Milliner's Shop--A deluded
Tradesman--Of what Persons the Company is composed--Character and
Adventures of Frederick Thompson.