Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
 | I. |
|
|
| II. |
|
|
|
 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Thespis
, 'tis said, did Tragedy devise.
Unknown before, and rude at it's first Rise,
In Carts the Gypsy-Actors strol'd about,
Their Faces smear'd with Lees of Wine and Soot,
And thro' the Towns amus'd the wond'ring Rout.
Then Æschylus brought Masks and Habits in,
And built a Play-House, and contriv'd a Scene,
The buskin'd Heroes taught, with Grace and Art
To tread the Stage, and boldly speak their Part.—
Unknown before, and rude at it's first Rise,
In Carts the Gypsy-Actors strol'd about,
Their Faces smear'd with Lees of Wine and Soot,
And thro' the Towns amus'd the wond'ring Rout.
391
And built a Play-House, and contriv'd a Scene,
The buskin'd Heroes taught, with Grace and Art
To tread the Stage, and boldly speak their Part.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |