Chapter XXIX: Epilogue

Some have expected, from our bills to-day,
To find a satire in our poet's play.
The zealous route from Coleman-street did run,
To see the story of the Friar and Nun;
Or tales, yet more ridiculous to hear,
Vouched by their vicar of ten pounds a-year,--
Of Nuns, who did against temptation pray,
And discipline laid on the pleasant way:
Or that, to please the malice of the town, }
Our poet should in some close cell have shown }
Some sister, playing at content alone: }
This they did hope; the other side did fear;
And both, you see, alike are cozened here.
Some thought the title of our play to blame;
They liked the thing, but yet abhorred the name:
Like modest punks, who all you ask afford,
But, for the world, they would not name that word.
Yet, if you'll credit what I heard him say,
Our poet meant no scandal in his play;
His Nuns are good, which on the stage are shown,
And, sure, behind our scenes you'll look for none.

Footnotes:
1. A common name for a cat, being that by which the representative of
the feline race is distinguished in the History of Reynard the Fox.
See Shakespeare's _Romeo and Juliet._

2. _Stickle._ To interfere.

3. _Rondaches._ Targets or bucklers. These were a part of the
equipment of a serenader. See that of Quevedo's Night Adventurer.

* * * * *

END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.

EDINBURGH:

Printed by James Ballantyne.