ACT FIRST
SCENE I
ENGLAND. A RIDGE IN WESSEX
The time is a fine day in March 1805. A highway crosses the ridge, which is near the sea, and the south coast is seen bounding the landscape below, the open Channel extending beyond.
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
Hark now, and gather how the martial mood Stirs EnglandV humblest hearts. Anon we II trace Its heavings in the upper coteries there.
SPIRIT SINISTER
Ay ; begin small, and so lead up to the greater. I I is a sound dramatic principle. I always aim to follow it in my pestilences, fires, famines, and other comedies. And though, to be sure, I did not in my Lisbon earthquake, I did in my French Terror, and my St. Domingo burlesque.
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
THY Lisbon earthquake, THY French Terror. Wait. Thinking thou wilfst, thou dost biit indicate.
A stage-coach enters, with passengers outside. Their voices after the foregoing sound small and commonplace, as from another
medium.
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