OF

Prologues in formal state precede their Plays,
With solemn rhymes to supplicate your praise-
Prologue, fee'd counsel for the Author's fame,
Bespeaking Patrons of his rising name,
Proclaims his genius-owns his graceful fears,
So old in genius-tho' so young in years!
Then slightly touching outlines of the plot,
Hints what it is, or rather what 'tis not,
Hopes it may please, but bends before your laws,
Makes an obsequious bow, and so withdraws.

But we, who scorn in practis'd paths to move, Plead in our own, not in our bard's behoof,

B

Nor shall we waste, in zeal for Otway's doom,
Your needful patience, ere our trial's come.
If you be pleas'd, we shall not be forgotten:
If not, 'tis Otway's fault, who's dead and rotten,
Otway-whom we, with truest taste, pronounce,
As we're good actors, a consummate dunce;
So let the blame be his-the merit ours,
And your applause confirm our scenic pow'rs.
But still, tis proper, we should briefly say,
First, who we are, and second, why we play;
First, who we are-we are-psha! that's all stuff,
You know us every one, and that's enough.
Next-why we play-that too I'm sure you know,
Else whence this circling group? this crowded show?
'Tis not the curious that come here to-day;
'Tis not the lounger, idling life away;
'Tis not the beauty, to display her charms,
Nor vain coquet, nor fop with folded arms;
Not to see us, you've seen so oft before,

Nor hear old Otway, you've heard o'er and o'er;
No-'tis benign † compassion brings you here,
Swells the fond sigh-and prompts the willing tear,
And Pity, guardian of the helpless poor,
Leading her vot'ries to our grateful door.

Since heaven, relenting, deigns at last to smile,
And brighter prospects cheer this harass'd isle,
Let us to all extend the short-liv'd good,
The naked clothe, and give the hungry food,
Raise up the wretch, supprest by want and care,
Teach hope-and rescue misery from despair.
These are our objects-for this grace we sue,
These the inducements that solicit you.
Thus shall our harvests yield a rich return,
Thus shall our sports bid man forget to mourn;
Fictitious tears bid genuine cease to flow,
And our feign'd sorrows lighten real woe;
Thus shall our Motives justify our Means,
And Mercy consecrate these well-meant scenes.

The only two Plays performed at the first Meeting were written by Otway,
The Orphan and Venice Preserved.

+The original purpose of these Plays was to collect the means of contributing to the Charitable Societies of the City of Kilkenny; and how far this object was obtained, will best appear from their subsequent acknowledg

ments.

↑ The preliminaries of a Treaty of Peace had been signed about this period.

The hospitable Mansion of KILPANE was not long since enlivened by a few Theatrical Representations, that were got up by the highly-gifted Family there, with the aid of some of the principal Gentlemen of our County. Their little labours, undertaken for the mere purpose of their own private amusement, have led to a public result of a very interesting nature, for the same Gentlemen have been prevailed upon to exert those talents for the Drama, which they lately evinced at Kilfane, to promote the cause of Charity in Kilkenny. This last week has been devoted to this benevolent purpose, and seldom has our Town exhibited a scene of greater happiness. The novelty of such an Exhibition, as well as the purposes of it, attracted an overflowing Audience every Night of Representation, among whom we numbered every Family of distinction in the Neighbourhood. There were three Plays, with an interval Night between each, on which there was a Ball. The Gentlemen, who have devoted their time and their talents to support our little Charitable Theatre, have secured for themselves the admiration of their Friends, the respect of the People, and the gratitude of the Poor. The Mornings have been given to the pleasures of the Chase. Mr. POWER'S Fox Hounds, admitted to be best in the Kingdom, remained in the_Town for the whole of the week.-Kilkenny Paper, February, 1802.]

Written by Mr. Langrishe, and spoken by Mr. R. Power,
At the opening of the Theatre, the 11th of October, 1802.

To you, my Friends depute me to convey
More grateful thanks than my weak words can say.
At your † desire, again our arms we wield,
+
And, with superior forces, take the field:
Cherish'd by you, our ardor brighter grows,
And with augmented fires each bosom glows.
No vulgar motives stimulate our muse,
But such as feeling hearts can ne'er refuse:
To smooth the bed of care-to wipe the tear
From silent, suffering misery, brings us here;
Encourag'd by your former kind applause,
Once more we come to plead in Pity's cause.
Think, as you drop your tribute at the door,
'Tis but an offering to befriend the poor :
Thus shall your mercy vindicate your taste,
Nor we, our wit-nor you, your money, waste.
What now can fill the vacant hours

SCOUT

Mr. Crampton.

Mr. H. Tighe.

Mr. G. P. Bushe.

of Peace?

No news from Egypt now, or France, or Greece; Nelson no more diffuses proud delight,

KING ARTHUR

Nor Bonaparte's victories affright ;

TOM THUMB

Morning or Evening Post no longer charms,

NOODLE

Success elates not-nor Defeat alarms: Then to seduce you to these scenes, is kind, And saves from stagnating the vacant mind: And sure, such well-meant efforts to amuse, No wit should ridicule-nor zeal abuse.

DOODLE

GHOST

QUEEN DOLLALOLLA

PRINCESS HUNCAMUNCA

GLUMDALCA

Guards, Rebels, Courtiers, Magicians, Musicians,

Maids of Honour, and others.