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On their accounts; by high Heaven, I swear,
I'd rather see him added to the heap,

Than Rome enslav'd.

1st. Citizen. Oh, excellent Horatius !

All Citizens. Save him! save him!

Tullus. Then I pronounce him free. And now, Horatius,

The evening of thy stormy day at last

Shall close in peace. Here, take him to thy breast. Horatius. My son, my conqueror! 'twas a fatal stroke,

But shall not wound our peace. This kind embrace
Shall spread a sweet oblivion o'er our sorrows;
Or, if in after times, though 'tis not long
That I shall trouble you, some sad remembrance,
Should steal a sigh, and peevish age forget
Its resolution, only boldly say

Thou sav'dst the state, and I'll intreat forgiveness.
Learn hence, ye Romans, on how sure a base
The patriot builds his happiness;

Grief may to grief in endless round succeed,
And nature suffer when our children bleed;
But still superior must that hero prove,
Whose first, best passion, is his country's love.

[Exeunt omnes.

EPILOGUE.

LADIES, by me our courteous author sends
His compliments to all his female friends,
And thanks them from his soul for every bright
Indulgent tear which they have shed to-night.
Sorrow in virtue's cause proclaims a mind,
And gives to beauty graces more refin'd.
Oh, who could bear the loveliest form of art,
A cherub's face, without a feeling heart!
'Tis there alone, whatever charms we boast,
'Though men may flatter, and though men may toast,
'Tis there alone they find the joy sincere,

The wife, the parent, and the friend are there.
All else, the veriest rakes themselves must own,
Are but the paltry play-things of the town;
The painted clouds, which glittering tempt the chace,
Then melt in air, and mock the vain embrace.
Well then; the private virtues, 'tis confest,
Are the soft inmates of the female breast.
But then, they fill so full that crouded space,
That the poor public seldom finds a place.
And I suspect there's many a fair-one here,
Who pour'd her sorrows on Horatia's bier;
That still retains so much of flesh and blood,
She'd fairly hang the brother, if she could.

Vhy, ladies, to be sure, if that be all, At your tribunal he must stand or fall. Whate'er his country, or his sire decreed, You are his judges now, and he must plead. ike other culprit youths, he wanted grace; But could have no self-interest in the case. Had she been wife, or mistress, or a friend, It might have answer'd some convenient end: But a mere sister, whom he lov'd-to take Her life away,-and for his country's sake! Faith, ladies, you may pardon him; indeed There's very little fear the crime should spread. True patriots are but rare among the men, And really might be useful now and then. Then do not check, by your disapprobation, A spirit which might rule the British nation, And still might rule-would you but set the fashion.

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