Than ever gaz'd on laurell'd heroes car;

Triumphant in his fall o'er all that crusht him.

Amazement seiz'd the crowded theatre,

Struck with the awful scene; and throb'd a heart

In ev'ry breast but his. The headsman trembl'd

That rais'd the fatal axe. Nor trembl'd he

On whom 'twas falling. Falls the fell edge;

Nor shrinks the mangl'd victim! What are stars and garters?

All titles, dignities, all crowns and sceptres,

Compar'd with such an exit? When these perish