Classic Poem

THE CELEBRATED IMITATOR .

See, death hath mark'd friend Moses for his own,
And seiz'd innumerous characters in one;
Yes, leveller death! who deals an equal blow,
Has clos'd with K EAN to act at his own show;
A motley groupe his theatre contains,
Each acts his real part, and no one feigns.
Here Moses thou wilt find that most, like thee,
Play'd off thro' life…a course of mimickry
Far worse than thine…for here thou wilt behold,
What crimes were once conceal'd by gravity and gold.
Here wilt thou see what vile imposing vermin,
Were hid by stars and garters, gowns and ermine;
Here, all thy imitations at an end,
Thy own true character will be thy friend.