——:o:——

Elegy

On the Death of

“The Guardian Outwitted.” 1764.[1]

The shrill bell rings the knell of “Curtain rise”

From the thrum’d string the scraping herd to warn

Behind the scenes the plodding snuffer hies

And leaves the stage to operas and to Arne.

Now strike the glimmering lamps upon the sight

And all the house a solemn stillness holds,