University of Virginia Library

To be sung after the Third Act, by two Aerial Spirits.
Third CHORUS
I.
Tell, oh tell me, whence arise
These Disorders in our Skies?
Rome's great Genius wildly gaz'd
And the Gods seem all amaz'd.

II.
Know, in sight of this Day's Sun,
Such a Deed is to be done,
Black enough to shroud the Light
Of all this World in dismal Night.

I.
What is this Deed?

II.
To kill a Man,
The Greatest since Mankind began:
Learned, eloquent and wise,
Gen'rous, merciful and brave!

I.
Yet not too great a Sacrifice,
The Liberty of Rome to save?

II.
But will not Goodness claim Regard?
And does not Worth deserve Reward?

I.
Does not their Country lye at stake?
Can they do too much for her sake?

Both
together.
Tho' dreadful be this Doom of Fate,
Just is that Pow'r which governs all:
Better this wond'rous Man should fall,
Than a most glorious, virtuous State.