ELIZABETH. Come then, to begin. Tell us ye learned, tell how far, The pole is from the polar star. CECILIA. Were Sir Isaac here, my love, The distance he would clearly prove. ISABELLA. But though from earth great Newton's fled, SAMUEL. I've learn'd by Newton's valued store. "Tis two degrees, and something more. HENRY. Sam has, I think, improved his time; CECILIA. Our knowledge of the rules of poetry is too imperfect to enable us to discover the faults in these lines. I fear, therefore, we shall have no forfeits; and I am a little disappointed; for I hoped for some witty saying to make us laugh. ELIZABETH. Have a little patience, Cecilia. We will have another trial of our poetick skill. Here are some more lines to fill up; and, Isabella, you may begin. When Marian's turn comes, I will take the pen and write for her. Now then, Isabella, for your rhyme. ISABELLA. Let us visit Parnassus, and ask the fair dames, If they'll do us the favour to lend us their names. ELIZABETH. That's a very good plan. We may each meet a friend, CECILIA. The attempt is too daring. We never must mount, True; SAMUEL. the Muses who govern both science and verse, For true merit alone will their laurels disperse. HENRY. Calliope and Clio are first in the train, And Euterpe, Erato o'er harmony reign. ELIZABETH, for MARIAN. See pensive Urania. She holds her mild sway, SAMU SAMUEL. Our wish to visit Parnassus seems, I think, favourable to our poetick talent; for though a judge of poetry might censure our lines, we do not see any defect that can claim a forfeit from any one, ISABELLA. I am tired of rhyming. Let us change this play for something else. CECILIA. With all my heart. ELIZABETH. Well then, for the Trojan horse. I give out the lines; and each one must repeat my words exactly, or forfeit. Here. Take this. |