Classic Poem

PERFORMED AT COVENT-GARDEN , 1793.

SPOKEN BY MR. POPE .

While jarring discord flies this happy land,
And Whig and Tory shake each other's hand;
Proud to display the flag of Britain's pride,
And hoist the union on their country's side:
That noble banner of our nation's fame,
Unstain'd by cruelty, unknown to shame!
Still may it ride triumphant o'er the wave,
The signal both to conquer and to save!
While England's sons in gallant bands advance,
To hurl just vengeance on perfidious France;
And adverse parties zealously unite
For Freedom's cause, and Freedom's king to fight!
Our author loyal, though not fond of arms,
Has for his own concerns some slight alarms:
He shakes his head, and owns he sometimes fears
The Muse of smiles may join the muse of tears;
Together read the sweet pathetic page,
And banish joke, and laughter from the stage;
Till comedy, quite sentimental grown,
Doffs her light robe to wear the tragic gown;
Draws from the virgin's breast hysteric sighs,
And thinks to weep is all the use of eyes!
Still may each rival Muse her pow'r maintain,
With smiles Thalia best supports her reign;
To start the tear, and palpitate the heart,
Justly demands her sister's nobler art:
Each has her charms, and, while to nature true,
Each finds impartial advocates in you
If these fair rivals, jealousy forgot,
Should once embrace, and tie the friendly knot,
Mirth must retire, and hide her dimpled face,
Convuls'd with laughter at the strange embrace;
Our bard, discarded, must his jokes forego,
And Vapid's frolicks yield to Werter's woe!
The author's prospects bear a brighter hue,
Should his light scenes be now approv'd by you;
'Twas you who taught his earliest hopes to soar,
Be still his patrons as you've been before!
Acquitted often by this gen'rous court,
He dares once more rely on your support.