.Nw.OTAx

[pg] 113

A Truth [five flourishes]

What eye but drops the pitying Tear When poor abandon'd Royal Lear Exclaims in accents wild -- "Unlook'd for, melancholy truth! "O! how much sharper than a serpents tooth, "It is to love a thankless Child! Thus spoke the King, his beams of glory shorn, An helpless outcast, destitute, forlorn: Deserted in his utmost need By those his former bounty fed. The striking portrait Shakespear drew -- Not I - Edmund, do thou, and thy compeers apply. Ye who abuse the noblest gifts of God Who strain your powers to him from Virtues's road A Prince, whose unsuspecting mind Vainly in you would kindred likeness find; O may the Royal Youth, unmask'd, behold Those Venal flatt'rers for expectant Gold! Torn with remorse he'd quit the devious way, And curse those arts [crossed out: C making Carts] that led his youth astray; Once more a nation's confidence enjoy, A Father's and a peoples Joy; And give new force unto the grateful strain Which says,"Old Lear shall be King again

[Five flourishes]