Bless'd be the liberal mind, th' undaunted zeal,
That bade loud Folly from the Stage retire;
That teach us how to think, and how to feel,
And once again our godlike Bard admire!

Thus aided, see his rescued genius spring;
Again he pours the phrenzy of his song;
With EV'RY FEATHER[B] in his eagle wing,
Once more in majesty he soars along.

Oft, deck'd with smiles, his spirit shall explore,
Erin! thy beauteous vales and classic ground;
And ev'ry ripple of thy winding Nore
To him shall sweetly as his Avon's sound.

_22d Oct. 1805_.

[Footnote A: The theatricals of Kilkenny are supported by gentlemen of
rank and fashion in Ireland, and the profits are applied to charitable
purposes.]

[Footnote B: Alluding to several fine passages of Shakspeare, which
have been long omitted in representation, but restored at the
theatricals of Kilkenny.]




EPIGRAM,