Classic Poem

Design'd to be spoken by the Person who should
have play'd Joan Cloudy .

What woful things do we poor Folks endure,
To keep our Spouses to our selves secure?
We Wives — — — (of one and all this may be said,)
Ne'er think our Husbands safe, — — — but when in Bed.
But now, to quit the Wife — — — How would it please ye,
Could you dissolve the Marriage Noose as easie.
Marriage would then no more entail for Life,
And Coquets venture on the Name of Wife :
What Woman would not! — — — if this Scheme would do,
Just for a Frolick — — — take a Spouse or two.
Ye Criticks that are scatter'd o'er the Pit,
And stare and gape to catch descending Wit,
Meer Mohocks, that on harmless Authors prey ,
And damn for want of Sense a Modern Play,
I vow 'tis hard. — — — Yet if it must be so,
I still must ask one Favour e'er I go.
If you condemn him, grant him a Reprieve,
Three days of Grace to the young Sinner give,
And then — — — if his sad Downfal does delight ye,
As witness of his Exit I invite ye .