*p1744 12 19 dl The Merchant of Venice. Shylock-Macklin, 1st appearance here in 2 years; Lorenzo-Lowe (with proper songs); Anthonio-Delane; Bassanio-Havard; Gratiano-Mills; Launcelot-Neale; Gobbo-Ray; Tubal-Taswell; Portia-Mrs Woffington; Jessica-Mrs Ridout; Nerissa-Mrs Bennett; Morochius-Woodburn; Salanio-Berry; Solarino-Blakes; Balthazar-Green; With an Occasional Prologue-Macklin.*a1744 12 19 dl The Devil to Pay. ^As17440929^.*d1744 12 19 dl III: Leonardi, Sga Bettini; IV: <i>Grand Dance</i>, ^as17441217^.*c1744 12 19 dl Prologue written by $Macklin=: ($Cooke=, <i>Memoirs of Charles Macklin</i>, pp. 150-51.) From scheming, pelting, famine, and despair, Behold to grace restored an exil'd Play'r: Your Sanction yet his fortune must compleat, And give him privilege to laugh and eat. No revolution plots are mine again; You see, thank Heaven, the quietest of men. I pray that all domestic feuds might cease; And beggar'd by the war, solicit peace; When urg'd by wrongs, and prompted to rebel; I sought for freedom, and for freedom fell; What could support me in the sevenfold dame? I was no Shadrak and no angel came. Once warn'd, I meddle not with state affairs; But play my part, retire and say my pray'rs. Let nobler spirits plan the vast design, Our green-room swarms with longer heads than mine; I take no part-no private jars foment, But hasten from disputes I can't prevent; Attack no rival brother's fame, or ease; And raise no struggle, but who most shall please. United in oursdlves, by you approv'd. Tis ours to make the slightest muse belov'd; So may the stage again its use impart, And ripen Virtue, as it warms the heart. May discord, with her horrid trump, retreat, Nor drive the frighted Beauty from her seat; May no contending parties strive for sway, But judgmemt govern, and the stage obey.