CHAPITRE II. DRYDEN

rirlande jusqu'aux Barbades lointaines*. Avance tous les jours plus loin dans la sottise et l'impudence ; d'autres t'enseigneront le succès ; apprends de moi le travail infécond, les accouchements avortés *. Ta muse tragique fait sourire, ta muse co« mique fait dormir. De quelque fiel que tu charges ta plume, tes satires inofîensives ne peuvent jamais mordre. Quitte le théâtre, et choisis pour régner Quelque paisible province dans le pays des acro-

Rome's other hope, and pillar of the state;

His brows thick fogs, instead of glories, grâce,

And lambent dulness play*d around his face.

As Hannibal did to the altars corne,

Swora by his sire a mortal foe to Rome,

So Shadwell swore, nor should his vow be vain,

That he, lill death, true dulness would maintain;

And, in his father's right, and realm's defence,

Ne'er to bave peace wiih Wit, nor truce with sensé.

The king himself the sacred unction made,

As king by office, and as priest by trade.

In his sinister hand, instead of bail,

He placed a œighty mug of potent aie.