Classic Poem

To Tamerlane, spoken by the Lad who acted Bajazet.

How hard t'will be to go school again
After we have but for one night been Men!
Been Men! That's only growing taller things,
We have been Lovers, Generals, & Kings.
Again for word misplac'd or sentence skipt,
Shall Tamerlane or Bajazet be whipt?
Far be the thought — Freedom & Joy be Ours,
And ever banish't all Tyrannick Powers.
Freedom's which William's memory convey'd,
Great William is in Tamerlane display'd.
Faintly display'd! our Hero never knew
Conquest or Fortune to His Merit true.
In Tasteless Pomp an envy'd Crown he wore,
And a Long life in thankless labour bore.
Reward with praise, tho late, th' illustrious strife,
And give his name what you deny'd his life.
Still Rise his Fame as now it but began.
Be these scenes play'd thro every Race of Man.
That the glad Theme late ages may pursue,
We'll teach our Children what we learn from You.