 | Ximenes
|  |
|
SCENE I.
A splendid Royal Apartment.
Ximenes,
alone.
The pressure of old age; my mind's exertions;
My many anxious cares for publick weal;
For private glory; and the subtle foe,
The minister of dark assassination,
To the dread confines of the world eternal
At length, have brought me: in the closing act
Of my life's drama, let my deeds be worthy
Of it's most animated scenes. Intent
On contemplation, my expiring lamp
Hath often caught my eye; it vibrated
With active motion, and shot beauteous rays
Of rich, and varied light. What nature's laws
Give to the dying lamp, let me derive
From the full force of that great moral law,
Which ever forms, and guards, and perfects virtue;
Strong, and unconquerable resolution.
| Ximenes
| |
|
