Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/442

400 At double meanings folks seem wondrous sly,

And Sentiment prescribes a pensive eye;

For Nature formed at first the inward man,

And actors copy Nature—when they can.

She bids the beating heart with rapture bound,

Raised to the Stars, or levelled with the ground

And for Expression's aid, 'tis said, or sung,

She gave our mind's interpreter—the tongue,

Who, worn with use, of late would fain dispense

(At least in theatres) with common sense;

O'erwhelm with sound the Boxes, Gallery, Pit,

And raise a laugh with anything—but Wit.

To skilful writers it will much import,

Whence spring their scenes, from common life or Court;

Whether they seek applause by smile or tear,

To draw a Lying Valet, or a Lear,