The Virginia Gazette

Mr. RIND, I Make no doubt but the underneath will readily find a place in your entertaining paper, at least I am well convinced it would, if you had heard it delivered in the pleasing agreeable manner I did, a few nights ago. I purposed indulging myself with seeing it in print last week, but being detained on the road longer than I expected, I arrived in town too late. I flatter myself your inserting it in your next, will oblige many who were then present, and none more than, SIR, Your constant reader, K. O.

A PROLOGUE. Spoken by Mrs. OSBORNE, at Norfolk, on her benefit night, Tuesday, the 19th of January.

With doubts---joy—Apprehension— almost dumb,
Fearful—yet pleas'd—with trembling steps I come,
No florid speech to make, but just to own,
The countless favours, you to me have shewn.
I'm told (what flattery to my heart!) that some
For OSBORNE's sake alone, this night have come;
And yet, O poor am I, O much I owe,
I have but thanks to give to you—and you.
In spite of better hopes, by fate decreed,
For ten long years this motley life I've led;
And felt (as rapidly thro' life I've whirl'd)
All changes of this April-weather world:
One day, have gaily bask'd in sun-shine warm,
The next, have shiver'd underneath a storm;
Yet, tho' thus doom'd perpetually to roam,
Still, when at NORFOLK, thought myself at home ;
And wish'd, yes often wish'd, but oh! in vain,
With such dear friends, I ever might remain.
But fate decrees, I no such bliss shall know,
Still bids me wander, and again I go.
For you, ye generous souls! whom here I leave,
May every bliss be yours, this world can give !
And Should kind Heav'n, indulgent to my prayer,
Once more restore me to my good friends here,
Oh may I find you all, some few years hence,
Still blest with health, and peace, and competence.