University of Virginia Library

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xii

PROLOGUE: Spoken by Mr. Ryan.

Why should the Muse in every Subject raise
The half-forgotten Chiefs of distant Days?
Why should she boast, their Successors to shame
With Cæsar's Feats, or Alexander's Name?
When Deeds as great our modern Annals own,
Trace all their several Glories join'd in one.
Our Author's Scenes from France their Hero bring,
To shew the Perfect-Model of a King;
A Monarch, who from no fantastick Brain
Plann'd the dull Pleasures of a Pageant Reign;
Who knew the Power of Empire, and the Weight,
Knew to be greatly Good, as well as Great;
Disdain'd Unbounded Sway, content to see
Himself with Joy Obey'd, his People Free;
More proud o'er Souls of Liberty to reign,
Than such as court the Whip, or hug the Chain:

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xiii

And yet (Oh constant Fate of Men too Good!)
Embitter'd Faction scented Henry's Blood.
Who knows not? too—too well their Plot succeeds;
Religion is the Cry—and Henry bleeds.
Wretched that Realm, so much by Factions crost,
That the Divinity of Kings is lost!
When Subjects shall audacious Schemes advance!
Britain has felt its Woes—as well as France.