Instead of the Musick usually play'd between the
Acts, the following Verses are, after this Act,
to be sung by a Chorus representing the Roman People.
First CHORUS.
I.
Whither is Roman Honour gone?
Where is our antient Virtue now?
That Valour, which so bright has shone,
And with the Wings of Conquest flown,
Must to a haughty Master bow:
Who, with our Toil, our Blood, and all we have beside,
Gorges his ill-got Pow'r, his Humour, and his Pride.
II.
Fearless he will his Life expose;
So does a Lion, or a Bear;
His very Virtues threaten those,
Who more his bold Ambition fear.
How stupid Wretches we appear,
Who round the World for Wealth and Empire roam;
Yet never, never think what Slaves we are at home
III.
Did Men, for this, together join;
Quitting the free wild Life of Nature?
What other Beast did e'er design
The setting up his Fellow-Creature,
And of two Mischiefs chuse the greater?
Oh! rather than be Slaves to bold imperious Men,
Give us our Wildness, and our Woods, our Huts, and Caves again.
IV.
There, secure from lawless Sway,
Out of Pride or Envy's Way;
Living up to Nature's Rules,
Not deprav'd by Knaves and Fools;
Happily we all should live, and harmless as our Sheep,
And at last as calmly die, as Infants fall asleep.
