416 ANNUAL REGISTE R, 1*794. 



Kere, where mild reason holds her temp'rate sway. 



Where willing subjects equal laws obey. 



Firm to that well-pois'd system, which unites 



With Order's blessings Freedom's sacred rights. 



'Mid wrecks of empires, England, be it thine, 



A bright example to the world to shine. 



Where Law on Liberty's just basis rear'd. 



Of all the safeguard, is by all rever'd, 



And stems alike, when clouds of discord low'r. 



The storms of faction, and the strides of pow'r. 



Hence have the muses on the hsts of Fame, 



With pride, recorded many a British name ; 



And on their votaries, in this lov'd abode, 



Bright wreaths of never-fading bay* bestow'd ; 



True to the cause of ev'iy English bard, 



*Tis yours the just inheritance to guard. 



What, though his vaulting Pegasus disdain 



The servile check of too severe a rein. 



Like untauorht coursers of the Arab race. 



He moves with freedom, energy, and grace ; 



With caution, then, the generous ardour tame, 



Lest, while you chasten, you repress the flame ; 



Som.e licence tenipcr'd judgement will permit 



To Congreve's, Wycherly's, or Vanburgh's wit ; 



Nor, for an ill-tim'd ribald ^st, refuse 



A tear to Otway's, or a Southern's, muse ; 



But chief, with reverence watch his hallow'd bays. 



To whom this night a monument we raise ; 



Beyond what sculptur'd marble can bestow — 



The silent tribute of surviving woe — 



Beyond the pow'rs of undecaying brass, 



Or the proud pyramid's unmeaning mass ; 



A shrine more worthy of his fame we give. 



Where, unimpair'd, his genius still may hve ; 



Where, though his fire, the critic's rule transgress. 



The glowing bosom shall his cause confess ; 



Where Britain's sons, through each succeeding age. 



Shall hail the founder of our English stage, 



And, from the cavils of pedantic spleen. 



Defend the glories of their Shakespeare's scene. 



EPILOGUE, ivntlen on the same occasion, by George Colman, jun. esq, 

 and spohen by Miss Farren. 



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HAT part can speak — O, tell me, while I greet you — 

 Wh'tit character express my joy to meet you ! 



But 



