PROLOGUE. A PROLOGUE? Well, of course the ladies know ; here we go ! I have my doubts. No matter, · As worsted stockings are to engine-hose. “The world's a stage," The stage a world as Shakespeare said, one day; was what he meant to say. The outside world's a blunder, that is clear; The cheats are taken in the traps they laid; Till the fifth act comes right side up at last, When the young couple, old folks, rogues, and all, Here suffering virtue ever finds relief, And black-browed ruffians always come to grief. Cries, "Help, kyind Heaven!" and drops upon her knees On the green baize, beneath the (canvas) trees, See to her side avenging Valor fly : "Ha! Villain! Draw! Now, Terraitorr, yield or die!" When the poor hero flounders in despair, Some dear lost uncle turns up millionnaire, Clasps the young scapegrace with paternal joy, Sobs on his neck, "My boy! MY BOY!! MY BOY!!!” Ours, then, sweet friends, the real world to-night. Of love that conquers in disaster's spite. The world's great masters, when you're out of school, — Learn the brief moral of our evening's play : Man has his will, - but woman has her way! All foes you master; but a woman's wit Lets daylight through you ere you know you're hit. Rudolph, professor of the headsman's trade, K "Why strikest not? Perform thy murderous act," The prisoner said. (His voice was slightly cracked.) Friend, I have struck," the artist straight replied; "Wait but one moment, and yourself decide." He held his snuff-box, "Now then, if you please!" The prisoner sniffed, and, with a crashing sneeze, Woman! thy falchion is a glittering eye; If death lurk in it, O, how sweet to die! We die with love, and never dream we're dead! THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA. A NIGHTMARE DREAM BY DAYLIGHT. Do you know the Old Man of the Sea, of the Sea? If you have n't been caught, you will be, you will be; He does n't hold on by your throat, by your throat, But he grapples you tight by the coat, by the coat, There's the charm of a snake in his eye, in his eye, You cannot go back, nor get by, nor get by, O, you're grabbed! See his claw on your sleeve, on your sleeve! It is Sinbad's Old Man of the Sea! |