 | Pompey the Great |  |
EPILOGUE To the King at Saint James's.
From Vulgar Wits that haunt the Theater,Pompey to you appealing (Royal Sir)
Hopes for more Favour, as the Subject bears
Better proportion to a Princes Ears.
You in your long Retreat perhaps might find
Some Forein Courts made by this Story kind;
This great Example of false Ægypts fate,
Instructed Kings to set a higher Rate
Upon their Faith, and hold their Fame too dear,
No treat him Ill, for whom we Languish'd here.
They that Translated this, but practice now
To improve their Muse, and make her Worthy you,
That she hereafter may Adorn the Stage
With your own Story, make the coming Age
Admire the Firmness of a Mind so Young,
Tost in those Tempests you indur'd so long.
Confusion first and Horrour shall appear,
Such as Involv'd us, while you Absent were,
Then with a Change of Scene they shall behold
Your Throne Establish'd, and an Age of Gold;
Faith, Peace, and Piety, that banish'd Train,
Let down from Heav'n to make a Glorious Reign.
This they design (Great Sir) if you allow
A Gracious Smile to their Endeavours now.
| Pompey the Great | |