Page:The Dunciad - Alexander Pope (1743).djvu/97

Or peaceably forgot, at once be blest
240 In Shadwell's bosom with eternal Rest!
Soon to that mass of Nonsense to return,
Where things destroy'd are swept to things unborn.
With that, a Tear (portentous sign of Grace!)^{[R. 1]}
Stole from the Master of the sev'nfold Face:
245 And thrice he lifted high the Birth-day brand,^{[I. 1]}
And thrice he dropt it from his quiv'ring hand;
Then lights the structure, with averted eyes:
The rowling smokes involve the sacrifice.
The op'ning clouds disclose each work by turns,
250 Now flames the Cid, and now Perolla burns;^{[R. 2][I. 2]}

Remarks

1. Ver. 243. With that, a Tear (portentous sign of Grace!) &c.] It is to be observed that our Poet hath made his Hero, in imitation of Virgil's, obnoxious to the tender Passions. He was indeed so given to weeping, that he tells ut, when Goodman the player swore, if he did not make a good actor, he'd be damn'd; "the surprise of being commended by one who had been himself so eminent on the stage, and in so positive a manner, was more than he could support. In a word (says he) it almost took away my breath and (laugh if you please) fairly drew tears from my eyes." P. 149. of his Life, octavo.
2. Ver. 250. Now flames the Cid, &c.] In the first notes on the Dunciad it was

Imitations

1. Ver. 241. And thrice he lifted high the Birth-day brand,] Ovid of Althæa on a like occasion, burning her offspring:
   Tum conata quater flammis imponere torrem,
   Cœpta quater tenuit.
2. Ver. 250. Now flames the Cid, &c.]
   ——Jam Deïphobi dedit ampla ruinam
   Vulcano superante demus; jam praximus ardet.
   Ucalegon.——