"I laid no traps for thee, no plots or plans, "Nor marriage nam'd by licence or by banns;' "Nor would I now the parson's aid employ, "But for this cause," and up she held her boy. Motives like these could heart of flesh resist? James took the infant and in triumph kiss'd; Then to his mother's arms the child restor'd, Made his proud speech and pledg'd his worthy word. • Three times at church our banns shall publish'd be, 'Thy health be drunk in bumpers three-times-three; 'And thou shalt grace (bedeck'd in garments gay) The christening-dinner on the wedding-day.' James at my door then made his parting bow, Took the Green-Man and is a master now.

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 gray,
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 eense.

PLAYERS.

They arrive in the borough.-Welcomed by their former friends.--Are better fitted for comic than tragic scenes: yet better approv ed 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 compo sed:-Character and adventures of Frederick Thompson.

LETTER XII.

PLAYERS.

DRAWN by the annual call, we now behold
Our troop dramatic, heroes known of old,

And those, since last they march'd, inlisted and enroll'd:
Mounted on hacks or borne in wagons some,
The rest on foot (the humbler brethren) come.
Three favour'd places, an unequal time,
Join to support this company sublime;
Ours for the longer period-see how light

Yon parties move, their former friends in sight, Whose claims are all allow'd, and Friendship glats the night.

Now public rooms shall sound with words divine,
And private lodgings hear how heroes shine;
No talk of pay shall yet on Pleasure steal,
But kindest welcome bless the friendly meal;
While o'er the social jug and decent cheer,
Shall be describ'd the fortunes of the year.

Peruse these bills and see what each can do,~
Behold! the prince, the slave, the monk, the jew;
Change but the garment, and they'll all engage
To take each part, and act in every age:
Cull'd from all houses, what a house are they!
Swept from all barns, our borough-critics say;