Page:The Maid's Tragedy Altered - Waller (1690).djvu/21

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The Maids Tragedy Alter'd.
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Both foul distempers are; but yours the worse,Less pleasure has, and brings the greater curse.
Mel. In idle Rhodes Philsophers are bred,And you, young Prince, are in their Morals read.Nor is it hard for one that feels no wrong,For patient duty to employ his Tongue.Oppression makes men mad, and from their breast,All reason does, and sense of duty wrest.The Gods are safe, when under wrongs we groan,Only because we cannot reach their Throne.Shall Princes then, that are but Gods of clay,Think they may safely with our honour play?Reward a Soldiers Merit with a stainTo his whole Race, and yet securely Reign?Farewel! I know so brave a Prince will scornTo tell the secret, unto which he's sworn.
Luc. aside. I promis'd Secrecy, but did not sayI would look tamely on. Melantius stay:

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