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A collection of poems on various subjects

including the theatre, a didactic essay; in the course of which are pointed out, the rocks and shoals to which deluded adventurers are inevitably exposed. Ornamented with cuts and illustrated with notes, original letters and curious incidental anecdotes [by Samuel Whyte]

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THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER,
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THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER,

ON SEEING A VERY YOUNG PERFORMER IN THAT DIFFICULT AND TRYING PART,

MARCH XXIII, MDCCXCI.
Monimia's rising talents, heaven-acquir'd,
I have oft remark'd, applauded and admir'd:
Prov'd in a complicated round of parts,
She gains all hands and captivates all hearts.
Her youth, her beauty, modesty and sense
O'er all she does a nameless charm dispense;

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Yet for Euphrasia when her name I read,
Her skill I fear, her inexperience dread—
‘How should a perfect novice hope to draw,
‘With taste and judgment what she never saw?’
Thus closely question'd, not untruth to say,
On specious grounds, I went to see the play;
When, lo!—the sex how fertile in device!—
Copying her faithful glass, and in a trice
Collecting all her powers, the cunning elf
Gives us a striking portrait of herself.
Her tones, looks, actions, suited to the word,
Like strings in perfect unison accord,
And filial virtue with enchanting grace
Pervades her form and brightens in her face.
Others from stage finesse applauses seek,
What nature dictates her exertions speak,
And up to each incitement of her part,
Attest the genuine feelings of her heart;
We see, allowing for dramatic strife,
The very character she acts in life;
And not a movement of her lovely frame,
But gives an earnest of her future fame.
Envy may snarl and jealousy repine,
'Tis hers with honour unimpeach'd to shine;
New to the stage, unpatroniz'd, unknown,
Her merit's glorious and 'tis all her own.