THE BOROUGH. 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 *, and boasting fame. Strolling players are thus held in a legal sense. 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. THE BOROUGH. LETTER XII. PLAYERS. Drawn by the annual call, we now behold night. While o'er the social jug and decent cheer, Peruse these bills, and see what each can do, |