The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley Collected and Edited from the Old Editions: With a preface on the text, explanatory and textual notes, an appendix containing works of doubtful authenticity, and a bibliography: By V. de Sola Pinto |
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 | The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley |  |
42
XLVI
TO COSCUS
[From Martial,] Lib. 9. Ep. 7[0].
O Times! O Manners! Cicero cry'd out,
But 'twas when enrag'd Catilin conspir'd
To burn the City, and to cut the Throat
Of half the Senate, had his Ruffians hir'd:
But 'twas when enrag'd Catilin conspir'd
To burn the City, and to cut the Throat
Of half the Senate, had his Ruffians hir'd:
When Son and Father did the World divide,
And Rome for Tyrants, not for Empire fought;
When slaughter'd Citizens on either side
Cover'd that Earth, her early Valour bought.
And Rome for Tyrants, not for Empire fought;
When slaughter'd Citizens on either side
Cover'd that Earth, her early Valour bought.
Of Times and Men, why dost thou now complain?
What is it, Coscus, that offends thee, say?
Our Laws the License of the Sword restrain;
And our Prince wills that his arm'd Troops obey:
His Reign, Success, Freedom and Plenty crown,
Blame not our Manners then, but mend thy own.
What is it, Coscus, that offends thee, say?
Our Laws the License of the Sword restrain;
And our Prince wills that his arm'd Troops obey:
His Reign, Success, Freedom and Plenty crown,
Blame not our Manners then, but mend thy own.
| The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley | |