University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE.

Melpomene
(speaks).
Thalia, bright one of the rosy cheeks,
Thy lily-wan and tragic sister thou
Hast bidden to this play. Accept my thanks
For mirth that hath brought sunshine to my soul.
Wilt thou pursue thy task, and to the close
Spin out the threads, have been but loosely laid
In these fantastic gambols? Sister, this
Thou hast not power to do, without my aid!
For never man did all his life long tread
On roses; no, not even the happiest;
Nor ever yet did any child of earth
Over his playthings trip into the grave.
Two swarthy shadows shall in season due
Upon the far horizon rear their heads,
And cloud thy glad creation with their gloom.
Then thou, defenceless shepherdess, shalt need
My vengeful sword, and Atropos the old
Must join her aid to ours, and with her shears
Cut through the ravelled skein of destiny,
That she, who rules the warp and woof of time,
May this her motley broidery complete.
Agreed! Then hand in hand we travel on.
Thou to a joyful issue, I foresee,
Wilt bring thy hero's fate, through brief eclipse
Of night, that morning with a rosier bloom
May break, new risen, through the parting clouds.
I see that thou wilt strew thy quips, as thick
As stars along the dusky firmament;
And that thy love, more brightly than the moon,
Shall shine around him, wheresoe'er he goes,
And be a lamp and glory to his feet.
Still shall this struggle, this stern conflict, pass
In tragic action: blood, not roses, dye
The track of his perplexed and perilous steps.
Therefore most meet it is, Melpomene
Should high on spear the ample shield upraise,
Which she thy hero means to guard withal;
Her sacred name aflame on its black field,
As blazon of the trophy to ensue.