Classic Poem

SPOKEN AT BRIGHTHELMSTON THEATRE, THE NIGHT OF

Mr. Paine's Benifit

To hold up vice in every hateful shape,
And all the passions of the soul to ape;
Each crime in hideous colours to pourtray,
And bring the blackest deeds to open day;
To picture virtue with her every grace,
And show mankind truth's heaven-illumin'd face!
Each latent folly fearless to disclose,
And censure all who dare be virtue's foes,
For this, the world's great wonder, S HAKSPEARE ! sung;
For this, his lyre, immortal O TWAY strung;
For this our G ARRICK play'd with matchless skill.
And F OOTE for this employ'd his comic quill.
And still the stage, to virtue ever dear,
Employs her powers deserted worth to cheer,
From pity's eye to draw the willing tear;
To bid warm charity dilate the heart,
And your own breasts at others woes to smart.
To night, tho' S HERIDAN'S diverting strain,
Laughs at the vicious, and derides the vain;
Tho' comic scenes before your view appear,
'Tis kind benevolence that brings you here;
For what this generous throng to night bestow,
Is to relieve a fellow being's woe;
To give a sorrowing family relief,
And kindly stop the gushing tears of grief!