Page:The Rosciad - Churchill (1761, 2nd edition).djvu/35

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THE ROSCIAD.
31
In Royal John, with Philip angry grown,
I thought he would have knock'd poor D–v–s down.
Inhuman tyrant! was it not a shame
To fright a king so harmless and so tame?

But, spight of all defects, his glories rise; 698
And Art, by Judgment form'd, with Nature vies.
Behold him sound the depth of Hubert's soul,
Whilst in his own contending passions roll.
View the whole scene, with critic judgment scan,
And then———deny him Merit if you can. 700
Where he falls short, 'tis Nature's fault alone;
Where he succeds, the Merit's all his own.

Last, Garrick came.———Behind him throng a train
Of snarling critics, ignorant as vain.

One finds out,—"He's of stature somewhat low,— 705
"Your Heroe always should be tall you know.——
"True nat'ral greatness all consists in height."——
Produce your voucher, Critic.———"Serjeant Kyte."

Another can't forgive the paltry arts
By which he makes his way to shallow hearts; 710
Mere pieces of finesse, traps for applause.——
"Avant unnat'ral start, affected pause."

For