A fix'd resolve, thou hast no power to shake.

Let wily Trollio try his utmost art,

Join'd with thy power, on this determined heart.

Let sorrows round me like an ocean flow,

Let earth dividing yawn my grave below,

[Pg 31]

Bribes, threats, nor torments, more shall bid me own

Thy sway, or bow to thy detested throne,

Dread power! whom, prompt to succour and to bless,

Reverent I name, yet confident address,

Do thou the marks of former guilt efface,

Speed every just resolve, and every terror chase!"

Ernestus ceas'd. The listening senate heard;

On every face derision's smile appear'd.

Yet some less harden'd bosoms heav'd a sigh,

Like the faint breezes of an evening sky,

That curl the rippled wave and on its surface die.

Reproach, familiar to the monarch's ear,

Might move contempt, but ne'er excited fear:

It cross'd his mind, like streams of melted snow,

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