University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Works of the Right Honourable Sir Chas. Hanbury Williams

... From the Originals in the Possession of His Grandson The Right Hon. The Earl of Essex and Others: With Notes by Horace Walpole ... In Three Volumes, with Portraits

collapse section 
collapse sectionI. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse sectionII. 
  
  
  
  
TO MRS. WOFFINGTON, 1740.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 III. 


8

TO MRS. WOFFINGTON, 1740.

IF when the breast is rent with pain,
It be no crime, the nymph should know it;
O Woffington accept the strain,
Pity! though you'll not cure the poet.
Should you reject my ardent prayer,
Yet send not back the am'rous paper;
My pangs may help to curl your hair,
My passion fringe the glowing taper.
No more the Theatre I seek,
But when I'm promised there to find you;
All Horton's merits now grow weak,
And Clive remains far far behind you.
'Tis thus the polished pebble plays,
And gains awhile some vulgar praises;
But soon withdraws its feeble rays,
When the superior diamond blazes.

9

Who sees you shine in Wildair's part,
But sudden feels his bosom panting?
Your very sex receive the dart,
And almost think there's nothing wanting.