Classic Poem

I.

Since the preference we know
Is for pageantry and show,
 'Twere a pity the public to balk,
And when people appear
Quite unable to hear
 'Tis undoubtedly needless to talk.
Let your Shakspeares and Jonsons go hang, go hang!
Let your Otways and Drydens go drown!
Give us but elephants and white bulls enough,
And we'll take in all the town.
Brave boys!
II.

Or if tardily the sound
Travels all the house around,
 'Twixt the action and words there's a breach;
And it seems as if Macbeth
Half a minute after death
 On his back made his last dying speech.
Let your Shakspeares, &c.
III.

When on matters of state
Stage heroes debate
 Intelligence so slowly is got,
'Twere better they began
On the new-invented plan,
 And with telegraphs transmitted you the plot.
Let your Shakspeares, &c.
IV.

But our house here's so small
That there's no need to bawl,
 And the summer will rapidly pass;
So we hope you'll think fit
To hear the actors a bit,
 Till the elephants and bulls come from grass.
Then let Shakspeare and Jonson go hang, go hang!
Let your Otways and Drydens go drown!
Give 'em but elephants and white bulls enough,
And they'll take in all the town.
Brave boys!