Two Gentlemen.
Semibrief.
Sir, your most obedient: I hope, I have not made
you wait: But I was oblig'd to call on these two
Gentlemen, whom I have made bold to bring with
me, to hear the Musick.
Master.
Sir, there needs no Apology; the Gentlemen
are welcome.
1st Gentleman.
Sir, we are oblig'd to you.
Semibrief.
You must know, Sir, one of these Gentlemen
having made the Tour of Italy, has but little Taste for
our homespun, English, Entertainments—nor has
he yet got the better of his foreign Prejudice: But,
-- 3 --
between you and I, I don't doubt, when he has
heard a little of this Piece, I shall bring him over
to our Opinion; and let him see, the English Tongue
is as fit for Musick, as any foreign Language of 'em
all.
Master.
One of our greatest Composers has been of that
Mind; and I have long been of his Opinion.
1st Gentleman.
We shall be very well pleas'd to be convinc'd.
Master.
I'll go, and hasten the Performers.
[Exit.
2d Gentleman.
Pray, Mr. Semibrief, what Voices have you?
Semibrief.
Why I have collected a few with some Difficulty;
but, as I have taken no small Pains with 'em, I hope
you'll find they'll make a decent Figure; and if
the Town will be so good to bear with such English
Voices as we could now procure, I don't doubt
but, with proper Encouragement, we may, in time,
be enabled to give the Publick, Musical Entertainments,
without sending our Money to foreign
Parts, to purchase Performers at exorbitant Prices.
-- 4 --
1st Gentleman.
I wish you may succeed, Sir;—but I own I have
some Fears for you.
Semibrief.
I am confident in the good Nature of the Audience;
so shan't despair—But we lose Time; I see
the Performers are waiting.
John F. Lampe [1745], Pyramus and Thisbe: a mock-opera. Written by Shakespeare. Set to Musick by Mr. Lampe. Perform'd at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden (Printed by H. Woodfall, jun. [etc.], London) [word count] [S40300].
