[Peter reading Epilogue.
In ancient times, when agonizing wars,
And bleeding nations, fill'd the world with jars;
When murder, battle, sudden death, prevail'd,
When——
Vapid. Stop—stop—I have it: not a word for your life; I feel it—it's coming on—the last line directly—quick! quick!
[Peter reads.
The tyrant totters, and the senate nods,
Die all, die nobly!——
Peter. Here's something wanting, sir.
Vapid. I know it, say nothing—I have it—
[Walks backwards and forwards.
The tyrant totters, and the senate nods,
Die all, die nobly!——
Oh, damn it! damn it! damn it!—that cursed half line!—I shall never accomplish it—all so chaste—all so correct,—and to have it marr'd for want of one half line,—one curst half line! I could almost weep for disappointment.