Ardalio jeers, and in his comic strains,
The mysteries of our bleeding God profanes,
While his loud laughters shake the painted scenes;
Heav'n heard, and strait around the smoaking throne,
The kindling lightning in thick flashes shone,
And vengeful thunder murmur'd to be gone,
Mercy stood near and with a smiling brow,
Calm'd the loud thunder: "There's no need of you;
Grace shall descend and the weak man subdue,"
Grace leaves the skies, and he the stage forsakes,
He bows his head down to the martyring ax;
And as he bows, this gentle, gentle farewel speaks--
"So geos the comedy of life away;
Vain earth adieu, heaven will applaud to day;
Stroike, courteous tyrant, and conclude the play"