And I wrote my happy songs
Every child may joy to hear.
Blake, Songs of Innocence
4. Sketch the history of the prose drama from the Restoration to modern times. The following extracts are fairly typical of the style and formal features of the drama:
(1)(To them) Lady Wishfort and Fainall
Lady Wishfort. Nephew, you are welcome.
Sir Wilfull Witwoud. Aunt, your servant.
Fainall. Sir Wilfull, your most faithful servant.
Sir Wilfull. Cousin Fainall, give me your hand.
Lady Wishfort. Cousin Witwoud, your servant; Mr. Petulant, your servant—nephew, you are welcome again. Will you drink anything after your journey, nephew, before you eat? Dinner’s almost ready.