We speak with Christian tongues to Christian
men: |
| Doing the while this service to the Bard, |
| That the rare beauty of his classic wit |
| We by our pruning make more beautiful. |
O happy art, which Terence never knew, |
| But they have learned, who aim in every thing |
| To choose the good, and pass the evil by! |
| These, as they pace the tangled path of life, |
| Cleanse from this earth its earthly dross away, |
| And clothe it with a pure supernal light. |
Neighbours and friends, what I have more to
say,— |
| It is not much,— concerns our actors here, {378} |
| Fresh tender souls, and palpitating hearts, |
| Boys, who, tho' boys, essay the parts of men, |
| And are the first within this Catholic fold |
| To represent a classic comedy. |
| Be kind,—they strive with no inglorious aim; |
| Where they do well, applaud; and, if in aught |
| They shall come short, be mild and merciful. |
Prologue enough; let Davus enter now, |
| And lend his ear, while Geta tells his tale. |
The Oratory.
1864. |