But when the multitude contracts the span,

And seats are rare, they settle where they can.

Now the full benches, to late comers, doom

No room for standing, miscall'd standing-room.

Hark! the check-taker moody silence breaks,

And bawling "Pit full," gives the check he takes;

Yet onward still, the gathering numbers cram,

Contending crowders shout the frequent damn,

And all is bustle, squeeze, row, jabbering, jam.

See to their desks Apollo's sons repair;