by M.
Originally published in The Literary Chronicle and Weekly Review (J. Sidebetmem) vol.1 #11 (31 Jul 1819).
O matchless portrait of a matchless fair!
What harrowing traits of misery were there!
Of mental misery—such as must ensue
When lovers faithless are, or friends untrue!
Who can regard the scene of deep distress,
And, as he views, the starting tear repress?
Who hear Evadne's agonizing cry,
Nor feel his heart faint with sad sympathy?
O classic taste, in classic language wrought,
What lessons of morality are taught
By thy just issue! here the noble fire
Of Sophocles' divinely-sweeping lyre,
skilful pourtrays to the admiring sense
What woman dares in honour's nice defence;
To what dire woes suspicion leads the way,
By treachery's guileless arts when led astray!
Oh! may such themes long grace the British stage,
And stem the vicious torrent of the age.
May equal bards to equal subjects rise,
And raise Evadne's virtues to the skies!
8th July, 1819.