Agl. That's very true—and there what did you see?
Eup. Things unbecoming either of us three.
Agl. What wear they on their heads? I think I've known
Mortals who've dress'd them something like our own.
Eup. Bonnets they lately wore, but oh, so small,
They nearly dwindled into none at all.
In "The Son of the Sun" there is an episode which helps to illustrate the condition of the drama in London at that period (1834). Apollo is questioning the Muses who have just returned from London to Olympus:—
Apol. Euterpe, Music's Muse, I understand
That you had lodgings somewhere in the Strand.
Eut. Oh! the Lyceum! Yes; I had a bout of it
For a short time, until they burnt me out of it.
Apol. Melpomene, Thalia,—still remain
Your temples, I suppose, near Drury Lane?
Thal. Our temples! Yes; as usual they stand,
Extensively superb, and coldly grand.
But, oh! the worship's wholly chang'd! Ah me! it is
A cruel thing—they've turn'd out us poor deities.
My friend Melpomene's dagger, and her bowl,
Are in the clutches of a noisy soul
With Madame Melodrama for her name.
Apol. That's downright usurpation.