APOLLO'S VISIT. So, putting on a gentleman's disguise, He straightway took his congé of the skies. And now in the metropolis we view him Preserving an incognito; a task Not difficult, for, e'en without a mask, 'Twas clear that nobody in London knew him. Immediately, upon his errand bent, In active search for all the nine he went; And first he looked for Clio, history's muse, Whose province 'twas great actions to record; But she had pined away, because, oh Lord! In England for her pen she found no use. Euterpe, muse of music, then he sought, K 129 130 APOLLO'S VISIT. Thalia then he went about to seek, And heard she might be met with, once a week Or so, at Drury Lane or Covent Garden; But, 'neath her mask he found a grinning face, Distorted by the vulgarest grimace; So he pass'd on and begg'd the lady's pardon. Next for Melpomene he turned to look In Covent Garden, once her favourite nook; But there he found she scarcely ever came, Having resigned her dagger and her bowl Unto a noisy, ranting, raving soul, With Madame Melodrama for her name. In quest then of Terpsichore he went, In hopes the graceful maiden there to see ;— Sad disappointment! in her place he found A painted, half-dressed lady twirling round, With petticoats a foot above her knee. |