University of Virginia Library

To Mrs. Manley, upon her Tragedy call'd The Royal Mischief.

As when some mighty Hero first appears,
And in each act excells his wanting years;
All Eyes are fixt on him, each busy Tongue
Is employ'd in the triumphant Song:
Even pale Envy hangs her dusky Wings,
Or joins with brighter Fame, and hoarsly sings;
So you the unequal'd wonder of the Age,
Pride of our Sex, and Glory of the Stage;
Have charm'd our hearts with your immortal lays,
And tun'd us all with Everlasting Praise.
You snatch Lawrels with undisputed right,
And Conquer when you but begin to fight;
Your infant strokes have such Herculean force,
Your self must strive to keep the rapid course;
Like Sappho Charming, like Afra Eloquent,
Like Chast Orinda, sweetly Innocent:
But no more, to stop the Reader were a sin,
Whilst trifles keep from the rich store within.