University of Virginia Library



To the Author of the Incomparable GENEROUS CONQUEROUR.

Thou more than Poet! what obscure Retreat,
What happy Shade has been thy Muse's Seat?
From whence, unknown so wonderful you rise,
And like a New-discover'd Star surprize?
How could so long those Sacred Fires supprest,
Be lock'd in thine, which now fill every Breast;
Thy first Essay has entertain'd us more,
Than all the Muses finish'd Toils before;
To thee, the Ancients would their Bays have given,
And Dryden envy'd, were he not in Heav'n;
With what Attention the suspended Pit,
Nor with less Magick Charms the Boxes sit?
Ev'n they who pre-possess'd with Hatred came,
Find no Disgust, but that they cannot blame;
And while thy Scenes more Generous Passions raise,
Forget their Malice, and consent to Praise.
Thus thy own Orpheus with his Voice Divine,
Whose Numbers only are excell'd by Thine,
With equal Power, could equal Wonders shew,
His charming Lyre could Savage Beasts subdue,
And such are they who could thy Name pursue.
M. P.
 

Generous Conquerour Act III. Scene III.