University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Moonlight

The Doge's daughter: Ariadne: Carmen Britannicum, or The song of Britain: Angelica, or The rape of Proteus: By Edward, Lord Thurlow

expand section 


249

TO DUDLEY, EARL OF HARROWBY, VISCOUNT SANDON, LORD PRESIDENT OF HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL, WHOSE GREAT TALENTS, AND EXALTED CHARACTER HAVE OFTEN BEEN DISPLAYED IN PUBLICK LIFE, THIS POEM, AS A SLIGHT TRIBUTE OF RESPECT, AND HONOUR, IS DEDICATED BY HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT, THURLOW.

251

[_]

This poem is carried on from the Tempest of Shak-speare: only, the name of Miranda is changed into Angelica. Proteus is feigned to have fallen in love with the daughter of Prospero: and the sea-maid, Celatis, to be enamoured of Ferdinand. The States of Naples having granted to him their consent of Angelica, as his wife, he is returning to bring her home to Naples, when the poem opens. The latter part of it may be considered to be written in the style of a Masque. October, 1814.