University of Virginia Library


lii

IMPROMPTU ON MRS. ROBINSON

Being present at the performance of the Merchant of Venice at Covent Garden. BY THE LATE JOHN HENDERSON, Esq.

Whilst Macklin Shakespeare's Shylock holds to view,
See beauteous Robinson out-act the jew;
One pound of flesh his malice could assuage,
Her Christian charms severer bonds engage;
When love-inspiring eyes their darts dispense,
Who meets the glance must expiate th' offence;
In vain applause would pay the debt in part,
She claims the sacrifice of every heart.
November 6th, 1780.
J. H.