| Citation |
NHG-P.757.001
18 Mar 1757:11,12,13 (24)
The following Extract is taken from the Account of Alfred,
as lately represented in an Oratorial Exercise, by a Sett of
young Gentlemen, belonging to the College in Philadelphia,
for their Improvement in Oratory, and Sentiments of public
Virtue, having several Times with much Applause, exhibited
the same, representing the "Redemption of England from the
Cruelties of the Danish Invasion by Alfred the Great."
. . . [51 lines describing the merits of the play]
With Regard to the young Gentlemen who so lately entertained
the Town with this Performance, the Applause they met with,
from crouded and discerning Audiences, during the several
Nights of its Representation, is the best proof of their
Merit, as it will be their justest Praise and highest
Encouragement. . . [13 more lines, praising the actors]
The Kindness of the Gentlemen who politely obliged us
with the instrumental Parts of the Music is to be
acknowledged. As to the young Ladies, who were so great an
Ornament to the whole Representation, by their performance
of the vocal parts, the most grateful acknowledgements have
been already made to them by some of those young favourites
of the muses, on whom they conferred so great an obligation,
and therefore such acknowledgements ought not to be
separated from this account.
All I shall say is, that as the engaging condescension of
these ladies conferred an obligation on their friends, it
did honour to their education. For to see a number of young
proficients in music and oratory, capable of representing to
advantage, in all the complexity of its parts, so difficult
and beautiful a performance as that of Alfred, would be an
honor to the taste and improvement of any country. And it
must be doubly so to see these talents and improvements
reserved for the most exalted subjects, and bestowed for
none but the noblest purposes! . . [9 lines, explaining the
purposes]
Occasional Epilogue for the young gentlemen of the
College of Philadelphia, who, for their Improvement in
Oratory, acted Alfred, in January, 1757. (in an Oratorial
Exercise at the College of Philadelphia.
To Thee, sweet Harmonist, in grateful Lays,
A kindred Muse her softest tribute pays;
Bids every Art with every Grace combine,
For thy fair brow the laureat wreath to twine:
Blest, would a smile from thee reward her care,
And doubly blest, would'st thou the garland wear.
Tell me, ye powers, whence all this transport springs?
Why beats my breast when Seraphina sings?
I feel, I feel, each struggling passion wake,
And, rous'd by Turns, my raptur'd bosom shake,
Heav'ns! with what force the varying accents move,
I joy, I mourn, I rage, I melt, I love.
Each Power, each Spring, each movement of my soul,
Charm'd by her voice, all bend to her control.
Not half so sweet the lark's shrill soaring lay,
Whose sprightly matin wakes the slumb'ring day;
Not half so soft the lonely night bird's strain,
Whose pensive warblings lull the weary swain:
Less plaintive flows the turtle's love-lorn tale;
Less sweet the sweetest note that wakes the dale,
But oh! when such soft charms their influence lead,
To gain the fairest prize, the noblest end:
To kindle in each breast the patriot flame,
And urge each arm to deeds of martial fame;
To bid stern vengeance rise with rigid hand,
Crush the proud foe, and save a sinking land;
To make each virtue grace the public weal,
And justice, mercy, goodness, truth prevail;
When such the themes, and such the vocal charms,
What thrilling transport every bosom warms?
Each sense, each passion, all the soul is mov'd;
Each ear is ravish'd, and each heart improv'd.
The listening throng, in dumb attention pause,
And silent rapture speaks their just applause.
Philadelphia, January 18, 1757. J. Duche.
TO MISS LAWRENCE, FOR HER KIND ASSISTANCE ON THE SAME
OCCASION.
The pleasing task be mine, sweet maid,
To spread thy glorious fame;
For early virtues such as thine
An early honor claim.
2.
'Twas nobly done to lend thy voice,
And soft harmonious song;
When freedom was the rapt'rous theme,
That warbled from thy tongue.
3.
Yet, lovely Fair! 'tis not thy voice,
Or song we most admire;
Good nature and the good intent
A nobler praise require.
4.
Not always is the merit plac'd,
In the performer's skill;
'Tis not the deed obliges most;
The virtue's in the will.
5.
Thus still proceed, above all pride;
Such themes be ever thine!
So to the good shalt thou be dear,
And favour'd by the nine!
Philadelphia, February 1, 1757. F. Hopkinson.
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