Yet, taught, by thy meek sufferance, to assume Patience in anguish, hope beyond the tomb, Resign'd, though sad, this votive verse shall flow, And brief, alas! as thy brief span below. MR KEMBLE'S FAREWELLADDRESS, ON TAKING LEAVE OF THE EDINBURGH STAGE. As the worn war-horse, at the trumpet's sound, So I, your plaudits ringing on mine ear, Can scarce sustain to think our parting near; And that those valued plaudits are my last. Why should we part, while still some powers remain, That in your service strive not yet in vain ? Cannot high zeal the strength of youth supply, And sense of duty fire the fading eye, And all the wrongs of age remain subdued Ah no! the taper, wearing to its close, It cannot be renew'd, and will not last; To drain the dregs of your endurance dry, And take, as alms, the praise I once could buy, Till every sneering youth around enquires, "Is this the man who once could please our sires ?" And scorn assumes compassion's doubtful mien, This must not be ;-and higher duties crave That like the Roman in the Capitol, I may adjust my mantle ere I fall ; 15 My life's brief act in public service flown, The last, the closing scene, must be my own. Here, then, adieu! while yet some well-graced parts May fix an ancient favourite in your hearts, Not quite to be forgotten, even when You look on better actors, younger men: In anxious hope, how oft return'd with fame! And I have felt, and you have fann'd, the flame! By mem❜ry treasured, while her reign endures, O favour'd Land! renown'd for arts and arms, For manly talent and for female charms, |