 | Junius Brutus |  |
96
EPILOGUE.
Spoken by Mrs. HERON.Our modest Bard, faithful to Virtue's Cause,
Disdains by Ribaldry to court Applause.—
You've seen unhappy Titus doom'd to prove
The Axe's fatal Blow for too much Love.
A Fault to which Forgiveness sure was due,
If Tragic Poets any Mercy knew.
But if his Punishment Severe should seem,
And his High Virtues merit your Esteem,
Your generous Approbation Fame shall give,
And make him with Immortal Glory live!—
The artless Thoughts of an enamour'd Maid
Are in bright Lucia's Character display'd.
Woes Undeserv'd, and Virtue in Despair,
Justly affect the Sympathizing Fair.
If then for Her, your tender Bosoms heave,
Indulge the pleasing Pain, nor blush to grieve.
By Feign'd Affliction mov'd, your Hearts confess,
How great the Joy to aid Unfeign'd Distress!
From Instincts so benevolent we find,
How strong a Byas sways the Human Mind,
To love whate'er is virtuous, kind, and true,
And to Admire Heav'n's fairest Frame in You!
FINIS.
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