Disperse in fume the antagonistic ill.

This institution, therefore,—Comedy,—

By origin, a rite; by exercise,

Proved an achievement tasking poet's power

To utmost, eking legislation out

Beyond the legislator's faculty,

Playing the censor where the moralist

Declines his function, far too dignified

For dealing with minute absurdities;

By efficacy,—virtue's guard, the scourge