He, when his morning task is done, 'He, unconscious whence the bliss, From toil he wins his spirits light, In heaven's best treasures, peace and health.' TRANSLATION OF A PASSAGE FROM STATIUS. THEB. LIB. VI. VER. 704-724. THIRD in the labours of the disc came on, His vigorous arm he tried before he flung, Far overleaps all bound, and joys to see The theatre's green height and woody wall The ponderous mass sinks in the cleaving ground, CAMBRIDGE, May 8, 1736. THE FRAGMENT OF A TRAGEDY, DESIGNED BY MR. GRAY ON THE SUBJECT OF THE DEATH OF AGRIPPINA. DRAMATIS PERSONE. AGRIPPINA, the Empress-mother. NERO, the Emperor. POPPA, believed to be in love with OтHO. Отно, a young man of quality, in love with POPPAA. SENECA, the Emperor's Preceptor. ANICETUS, Captain of the Guards. DEMETRIUS, the Cynic, friend to SENECA. ACERONIA, Confidant to AGRIPPINA. SCENE-The Emperor's villa at Baiæ. ACT I. SCENE I. AGRIPPINA. ACERONIA. AGRIP. 'Tis well, begone! your errand is per form'd, [Speaks as to Anicetus entering. The message needs no comment. Tell your master, As fits the daughter of Germanicus. Say, she retired to Antium; there to tend Her household cares, a woman's best employment. What if you add, how she turn'd pale and trembled : You think, you spied a tear stand in her eye, And would have dropp'd, but that her pride restrain'dit? (Go! you can paint it well) 'twill profit you, And please the stripling. Yet 'twould dash his joy To hear the spirit of Britannicus Yet walks on earth: at least there are who know Without a spell to raise, and bid it fire A thousand haughty hearts, unused to shake Of th' unpledged bowl, they love not aconite. ACER. He's gone: and much I hope these walls alone And the mute air are privy to your passion. Forgive your servant's fears, who sees the danger Which fierce resentment cannot fail to raise In haughty youth, and irritated power. AGRIP. And dost thou talk to me, to me of danger, Of haughty youth and irritated power, |