University of Virginia Library

To the inimitable Mrs. WOFFINGTON, on seeing her in several Characters.

In silent wonder sunk, in rapture bound,
My captivated thoughts no utt'rance found;
Each faculty o'erwhelm'd, its vigour lost,
And all my soul from theme to theme was tost.
Whate'er the heart can feel, the tongue express,
The springs of joy, the floods of deep distress,
The passions utmost pow'r, o'er-rul'd by laws,
Which genius dictates, and which judgment draws,
Subdu'd thus long my bosom's grateful fire,
Silent to gaze, and with the crowd admire.
Stand forth confest, unrivall'd, and alone,
And view the human passions all your own;
Reign o'er the heart with unresisted sway,
The heart must beauty, and must power obey;
Each Muse hath plac'd her scepter in your hand,
And ready rapture waits on your command,
Extremes all mingl'd in a mind so clear,
The dawn of radiant hope, the cloud of fear,
With terror's tempest, and with pity's gale,
Through your inchanting look, the soul assail.
A glance your vocal thunder might supply,
And every language listens from your eye.
There joy and grief, there transport and despair,
By turns triumphant, all their trophies wear.
Such various powers have won for you each palm,
Such powers, so various in a mein so calm.
Th' elastic fluid thus that wraps the globe,
And o'er the vaulted space expands its robe,
In crimson rolls, to deck the evening skies,
Or tinge th' ætherial bow with beaut'ous dyes,
Beneath o'er flowing lawns will gently sweep,
And fan the glassy surface of the deep.
Whilst murmuring bees, and painted insects play,
And smiling nature bids the world look gay.
But if awak'd at her impassion'd call,
Then rage shall rouze, and terror shake the ball.
Exerted air, the marble rocks shall rend,
The surges swell, and rapid shower descend;
Each mortal bosom feels the dreadful blast,
And ev'ry thinking creature stands aghast.