All genuine copies bear the signature of the translator.

Notpant.

PRINTED BY T. GUNN, 62, BERWICK STREET, OXFORD STREET, W.

DEDICATION.

Ye wavering forms do ye approach again,
In early prime that sooth'd my anxious mind?
Shall I once more beseech you to remain?

And is my soul to your fond charms inclin'd?
Ye crowd around me, well your mystic reign,
Ye may now re-establish unconfin'd!
My bosom heaves with youthful agitation,
As from your features ye flash inspiration.

Ye bring the scenes of many a happier day—
The vanish'd shades of beings once so dear;
Like to some long-forgotten ancient lay,

First Love and Friendship to my view appear; The pain renew'd once more we love to say,

How strange and mazy is life's sad careerThe good recall, whom, on life's sunny shore, Betray'd by Fortune, we met never more.

They'll hear no more the music of these songs,

The souls to whom I oft the first would sing; Mouldering in dust lie now the friendly throngs, Their harp responsive never more they'll string : Each lay, alas! to unknown crowds belongs,

And their applause no joy to me can bring;
And many a verse the feeling heart rejoices
Is tun'd now by unsympathizing voices.

A long disused look I fain would cast

To lands where spirits hold their wide domain Ah, indistinctly strikes my ear at last, My lisping lay like some Æolian strain: Strange thoughts assail me, tears are falling fast, And my stout heartmelts with a tender pain-

;

Things of the past their ancient forms revealing,
And present things into oblivion stealing.

PRELUDE AT THE THEATRE.

MANAGER-POET-MERRYMAN.

Manager.

Ye two who oft have lent a helping hand
To me in times of hard necessity,
Think you that, in this our Fatherland,
This undertaking will successful be?
I fain would please the public every one,

And more so when in living they let live.

The posts are fix'd, with planks and boards nail'd on,
And all attend the best cheer you can give ;
With eyebrows high there they sit and gaze,
In expectation you will them amaze.
I know how I can meet the peoples wishes,

Yet my embarassment is now exceeding ;
'Tis true they've not had lately dainty dishes,

But they are now so deucéd given to reading.
How shall we manage that all fresh and new,
And of sage import may be pleasing too?
I'd surely like to see the people flow

Just like a stream, and to our playmart go-
Thrusting-hustling-bustling, to and fro—
Then squeezing thro' the narrow door of grace.
And only anxious to secure a place;

At four o'clock ev'n in broad daylight,
Around the pay-box having a good fight—

As round the baker's shop the famish'd poor-
Breaking their necks a ticket to procure.

To cause such a sensation for a play,
Is for the poet-friend, do it to-day!

Poet.

Oh, tell me not of the gay bustling crowds Whose aspect makes the soul inert and chill; 'Tis better when a veil the throng enshrouds,

That draws us to the gulf against our will: Oh, let me live where skies unveil'd by clouds,

And heavenly nooks abound the bard with joy to fill ; Where Love and Friendship, to out hearts endear'd, By hand celestial are brought forth and rear'd.

How oft we've felt within our bosom's core

Things that the timid lips were slow t'express;
They then may have avail'd, or we their loss deplore
Buried by the present in forgetfulness :
And yet perchance, as on time's wings we soar,
Their perfect forms again return to bless;
'Tis glittering tinsel the present engages,
But Truth and Beauty go to after ages.
Merryman.

Now of posterity I want no conversation,
But supposing I had thereto inclination,
Who would then the present times amuse?

If amusement all must have, that you must not refuse.
The presence of a gallant boy,

Besides, is something to enjoy.

He who to please will use his best endeavour,

Is ever sure of gaining public favour;

And then he'll wish to try a wider sphere

To give them ever better cheer.

Be therefore enterprizing with solicitude!
Call Phantasy and all her sister brood,
Reason, Understanding, Feeling, Passion,
And mind you make to Folly some concession!
Manager.

Take also heed ye give abundant fare!

They come to look and something they must see;

Place but plenty once before them there,

The multitude will wonder, gape, and stare,