190
A PROLOGUE
By Peter Proteus on the night of February 18 1857
Ladies and friends both kind and courteous
Accept the bow of Peter Proteus
Who for himself and anxious Thespian Corps Asks that forebearance you've oft shown before. We aim to give you pleasure ere you go And shall ourselves be pleased if you are so.
The Management is new and some who play Now make in mimic art their first essay But as all aim to please and each one tries. We are sure our friends will gently criticise.
And tho' our Acting may not be the best Approve what's pleasing and forgive the rest Rememb'ring what we all must e'en confess "T is not in mortals to command success.
We're going to play 'Used Up' but fate defend Our Acting or our Friends from such an end.
ווי
say
But when the Play is o'er we hope you Tho' that's Used Up we're not at all blasé.
Should this attempt to please you not prove in vain We'll learn new parts and ask you here again".