What thunder shakes th' Athenian stage?

'Tis frantic Bromius bids me sing,

He tunes the pipe, he smites the string;

The Dryads with their chief accord,

Submit, and hail the drama's lord.

Be still! and let distraction cease,

Nor thus profane the Muse's peace;

By sacred fiat I preside,

The minstrel's master and his guide;

He, whilst the chorus strains proceed,