• From “Cato,” Act V. Sc. 1.
    SCENE.—CATO, sitting in a thoughtful posture, with Plato’s book on the Immortality of the Soul in his hand, and a drawn sword on the table by him.

      IT must be so—Plato, thou reasonest well!—
    Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
    This longing after immortality?
    Or whence this secret dread, and inward horror,
    ...

  • From “Cato,” Act II. Sc. 1.
      MY voice is still for war.
    Gods! can a Roman senate long debate
    Which of the two to choose, slavery or death?
    No; let us rise at once, gird on our swords,
    And at the head of our remaining troops
    Attack the foe, break through the thick array
    Of his thronged legions, and charge home upon him.
    Perhaps...

  • From “The Spectator”
    THE SPACIOUS firmament on high,
    With all the blue ethereal sky,
    And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
    Their great Original proclaim;
    The unwearied sun, from day to day,
    Does his Creator’s power display,
    And publishes to every land
    The work of an Almighty hand.

    Soon as the evening shades prevail,...