ce---

XXIV.

For we not see the outward form alone
In thy judicious strokes defin'd,
But in them too---distinctly shewn---
The strong-mark'd features of the mind---
Each charmer's attitude and air
The internal character declare, 230
With ease the varied temper we descry,
The full-soul beaming from th' expressive eye---

XXV.

Here---in the sweetly pensive mein
Is the soft gentle Nature seen,
And chaste reserve, and modest fear,
And artless innocence appear---
There---the little fly coquet
Aiming her insidious glances:
For trapping hearts each feature set,
From the canvass makes advances, 240
Nay---if we credit the delusive face,
She seems just springing to our fond embrace---

XXVI.

And if such meaning can be thrown
Into the single form alone---
With what fresh rapture should we gaze,
How would thy kindling genius blaze,
To what superior heights aspire,
If working on some grand design,
Where various characters combine
To call forth all it's force, and rouse thy native fire?--- 250

XXVII.

And that thy hand can equally excel
E'en in this noble part,
This shining branch of thy expressive art,
To it's own happy labour we appeal,
To that rich piece whose pleasing fiction
And splendid tints with full conviction
Strike the spectator, while he views
THALIA and the tragick muse,
Each eager on her side t' engage
Th' unrivall'd Roscius of the British stage--- 260

XXVIII.

Stern and erect the buskin'd dame
In high dramatick wrath appears,
With energy supports her claim
And seems to thunder in his ears;
While the inveigling comick Fair,
With aspect sly and artful air
To draw her favourite to her arms
Strains every nerve; but as she strives,
With the sweet attitude contrives
T' impart the stronger influence to her charms-- 270

XXIX.

Betwixt them with distracted mein
The object of their strife is seen;
His eyes with wild confusion roll,
Mixt passions, with alternate sway,
In his ambiguous features play,
And speak as yet the undetermined soul;
But that half-assenting leer,
Obliquely on the little wheedler thrown,
Portends, though checkt