Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/64

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Chap. 8.
of Conſtancy.
43

my Country doth affect me; are words more ambitious than true: born in the Lips rather than in the Reines. That which is reported of Polus the Famous Actour, that when he was to play such a part at Athens as required to be presented with a remarkable passion; he privily brought in the Urne and Bones of his dead Son, and so fill'd the whole Theatre with unfeigned Lamentations and Tears; the same may be said of most of you. You play your parts in a Comedy (my Friends) and disguised in the masking Face of your Country; you lament your private losses with the truest and most lively Tears; The whole World saies Arbiter are employ'd in a Stage-play: I am sure it is so here. This Civil Warr (say they) torments us, the shedding of innocent blood, and the decease of Liberty and the Laws. Say ye so? I perceive indeed your Grief, I now ask and enquire of the cause

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