Prologue（2 / 2）

and harley rouses all the god in man.

when well-form'd taste and sparkling wit unite

with manly lore, or female beauty bright,

(beauty, where faultless symmetry and grace

can only charm us in the second place),

witness my heart, how oft with panting fear,

as on this night, i've met these judges here!

but still the hope experience taught to live,

equal to judge—you're candid to forgive.

no hundred—headed riot here we meet,

with decency and law beneath his feet;

nor insolence assumes fair freedom's name:

like caledonians, you applaud or blame.

o thou, dread power! whose empire-giving hand

has oft been stretch'd to shield the honour'd land!

strong may she glow with all her ancient fire;

may every son be worthy of his sire;

firm may she rise, with generous disdain

at tyranny's, or direr pleasure's chain;

still self-dependent in her native shore,

bold may she brave grim danger's loudest roar,

till fate the curtain drop on worlds to be no more.