MY BAPTISMAL BIRTH-DAY GOD's child in Christ adopted,-Christ my all,— What that earth boasts were not lost cheaply, rather EPITAPHIUM TESTAMENTARIUM Τὸ τοῦ ΕΣΤΗΣΕ τοῦ ἐπιθανοῦς Epitaphium testamentarium αυτόγραφον. Than forfeit that blest name, by which I Quæ linquam, aut nihil, aut nihili, aut vix sunt mea. Sordes call Shine like the powerless sun on polar ice; Abrupt he turn'd, yet linger'd as he Cunning and dark-a necessary villain! went, And towards us cast a look of doubtful meaning. Tallien. Yet much depends upon him -well you know With plausible harangue 'tis his to paint Legendre. I mark'd him well. I met Defeat like victory-and blind the mob his eye's last glance; It menac'd not so proudly as of yore. With truth-mix'd falsehood. They led on by him, And wild of head to work their own destruction, Th' Adonis Tallien? banquet - hunting Tallien ? Support with uproar what he plans in Him, whose heart flutters at the dice The fervent eloquence of Vergniaud's The dire upboilings of the storm within Would be himself a traitor, were he not A coward! 'Tis congenial souls alone Shed tears of sorrow for each other's fate. O thou art brave, my brother! and thine eye Bidding the darts of calumny fall pointless. [Exeunt cæteri. Manet COUTHON. Couthon (solus). So we deceive ourselves! What goodly virtues Bloom on the poisonous branches of ambition! Still, Robespierre! thou'lt guard thy country's freedom To despotize in all the patriot's pomp. While Conscience, 'mid the mob's applauding clamours, Sleeps in thine ear, nor whispers-bloodstain'd tyrant! Yet what is Conscience? Superstition's dream, Making such deep impression on our sleep That long th' awaken'd breast retains its horrors ! 130 Full firmly shines amid the groaning But he returns-and with him comes battle Yet in thine heart the woman-form of pity Asserts too large a share, an ill-timed guest! There is unsoundness in the state-To morrow Shall see it cleans'd by wholesome mas sacre ! Robespierre Junior. Beware! already do the sections murmur-- 110 'O the great glorious patriot, Robespierre- The tyrant guardian of the country's freedom!' Couthon. "Twere folly sure to work Robespierre. I see the villain in him! sake thee-what remains? Robespierre. Myself! the steel-strong Rectitude of soul And Poverty sublime 'mid circling virtues ! The giant Victories my counsels form'd Shall stalk around me with sun-glittering plumes, 120 |