Usurp’d the Muse’s realm, and mark’d her fall;

Say—shall this new, nor less aspiring pile,

Rear’d where once rose the mightiest in our isle,

Know the same favour which the former knew,

A shrine for Shakspere—worthy him and you?

Yes—it shall be—the magic of that name

Defies the scythe of time, the torch of flame;

On the same spot still consecrates the scene,

And bids the Drama be where she has been:

This fabric’s birth attests the potent spell—