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THE COMING ECLIPSE, 1876.—Nautical Almanac.
ACT I.
Scene I.—Albor Castle. Ante-Chamber to the King's Bedroom.
Time, 1837.
Honeybourne. Fear not, she will do well, being possessed
Of a high spirit, and some strong resolves.
The Primate. Humility and Lowliness are roots,
Better to grow young roses on than Pride,
Which mounts too high, and bears at last bad fruit.
Honeybourne. An humble churchman never knew I yet,
Who was not, in his cowl, more blown with Pride,
Than the most lusty layman. Well, say on;
I will deny no premisses of yours,
And think that for the Church they're sound enough.
But Crook, nor Mitre, doth Queen Victa claim,
Although her Sceptre o'ertops both, your Grace!
The Primate. If that the Parties, which distress the land,
Shall drop their strife, and raise the staff of peace,
Then should I fear me less that ills will come
From our Princess's sex and youthful years.
Honeybourne. Mean you the land, or they that live thereon?
The soil, or those who till it—which your care?
Whig patriotism none can doubt;—our Queen,
I promise you, shall be by us maintained
Under such guardianship and safe control
That no stray shaft shall touch her, or aimed blow;
Safe, both her reputation and her life.
The Primate. I'll not discuss your fitness for the task;
Call no man happy—not before he's dead,
Nor maiden virtuous, lest she's put to bed;
And my Lord Honeybourne has yet to know
How fertile scandals grow about a court,
Or even round a Downing Street abode.
Earl of A. Is all hope gone then, for His Majesty,
May he not conquer yet his malady?
