In the "scales of suspense" two fancies may be hung
— MacNally, Leonard (1752-1820)
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for G. G. J. and J. Robinson
Date
1785
Metaphor
In the "scales of suspense" two fancies may be hung
Metaphor in Context
On seeing Miss YOUNGE in the Character of Lady Flippant Savage.
The two scenic Muses had long kept a distance,
And scorn'd of each other to borrow assistance;
Thalia was pert, and Melpomene proud,
And though of admirers they both had a croud;
Not two rival beauties on earth could be seen
More tortur'd with jealousy, envy and spleen:
Till Jove, to whom all the celestials submit,
In matters of Weight, or in matters of Wit,
Interpos'd his command, saying, henceforth agree,
United in friendship as Sisters should be;
And grant, as a pledge that your union's sincere,
Your mutual pow'rs to some favourite fair;
If one can be found amongst mortals below
Deserving the attributes you can bestow.
The Sisters obey'd; but unfix'd was their choice,
Till Minerva appearing with soul-moving voice:
While in scales of suspense both their fancies were hung,
Appeal'd to their senses, and pointed to Younge.
To Younge, where the smile-stealing comic we find,
With the soft, the sublime, and the graceful combin'd.
To Younge who can each diff'rent passion impart,
Who pleases the judgement, but conquers the heart,
And guided by Nature, is followed by Art.
The two scenic Muses had long kept a distance,
And scorn'd of each other to borrow assistance;
Thalia was pert, and Melpomene proud,
And though of admirers they both had a croud;
Not two rival beauties on earth could be seen
More tortur'd with jealousy, envy and spleen:
Till Jove, to whom all the celestials submit,
In matters of Weight, or in matters of Wit,
Interpos'd his command, saying, henceforth agree,
United in friendship as Sisters should be;
And grant, as a pledge that your union's sincere,
Your mutual pow'rs to some favourite fair;
If one can be found amongst mortals below
Deserving the attributes you can bestow.
The Sisters obey'd; but unfix'd was their choice,
Till Minerva appearing with soul-moving voice:
While in scales of suspense both their fancies were hung,
Appeal'd to their senses, and pointed to Younge.
To Younge, where the smile-stealing comic we find,
With the soft, the sublime, and the graceful combin'd.
To Younge who can each diff'rent passion impart,
Who pleases the judgement, but conquers the heart,
And guided by Nature, is followed by Art.
Categories
Provenance
Searching HDIS
Citation
4 entries in ESTC (1785, 1786).
Fashionable Levities, a Comedy. In Five Acts. By Leonard MacNally (London: Printed for G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1785).
Fashionable Levities, a Comedy. In Five Acts. By Leonard MacNally (London: Printed for G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1785).
Date of Entry
10/14/2004
