Rich in the dear good-will of gen'rous minds,
But poor in kingly allies. One thou'lt see,
Whose manly faculties, beset with gifts
Of gentler grace, and soft domestic habits,
And kindliest feelings, have within him grown
Like a young forest-tree, beset and 'tangled,
And almost hid with sweet incumb'ring shrubs;
That, till the rude blast rends this clust'ring robe,
Its goodly hardy stem to the fair light
Discovers not.—Hark! now they come.
(Flourish of trumpets.)
Stand thou secure, and see whate'er thou wilt.
(Calling to some people off the stage.)
Ho! you without! move there with more dispatch.
(Several domestics again cross the stage as before.)
STRANGER.
If right I guess. They bear a noble mien.
And who is he who foremost walks with steps
Of gravely-measur'd length, and heavy eyes
Fix'd on the ground?(Pointing off the stage.)
HEUGHO.
Who doth o' tiptoe walk, with jealous care,
Upon the very point and highest ridge
Of honour's path, demure and circumspect,
Like nicest maid, proud of her spotless fame;
A steady, cheerless friend.
