Esther, a Sonnet Sequence: XXXII
I had stopped to read a handbill of the play,
Caught by the lettering. Thus it was I read,
‘Programme of this night’s pieces, Saturday
The twentieth of October, ‘X. Y. Z.,’
A piece in one act, and ‘Les Bergers Fous,’
These to be followed by the well—known 'drame’
Of ‘Manon Lescaut,’ here brought out anew
For the first time at Lyons.' And a name
Followed in giant type of one who then
Illustrious stood in all the world of folly,
The most sublime Comedian known to men,
‘Mademoiselle Esther, Muse of Melancholy.’
She in her part of Manon, so ’twas writ,
Three nights would play in honour infinite.
