A Theatrical Curiosity. Cruikshank’s Omnibus
Once in a barn theatric, deep in Kent,
A famed tragedian—one of tuneful tongue—
Appeared for that night only—’t was Charles Young.
As Rolla he. And as that Innocent,
The Child of hapless Cora, on there went
A smiling, fair-hair’d girl. She scarcely flung
A shadow, as she walk’d the lamps among—
So light she seem’d, and so intelligent!
That child would Rolla bear to Cora’s lap:
Snatching the creature by her tiny gown,
He plants her on his shoulder,—All, all clap!
While all with praise the Infant Wonder crown,
She lisps in Rolla’s ear,—“LOOK OUT, OLD CHAP,
OR ELSE I’M BLOW’D IF YOU DON’T HAVE ME DOWN!”
Siddons and Her Maid. W. S. Landor
SIDDONS. I leave, and unreluctant, the repast;
The herb of China is its crown at last.
Maiden! hast thou a thimble in thy gear?
MAID. Yes, missus, yes.
SIDDONS. Then, maiden, place it here,
With penetrated, penetrating eyes.
MAID. Mine? missus! are they?
SIDDONS. Child! thou art unwise,
Of needles’, not of woman’s eyes, I spake.
MAID. O dear me! missus, what a sad mistake!
SIDDONS. Now canst thou tell me what was that which led
Athenian Theseus into labyrinth dread?
MAID. He never told me: I can’t say, not I,
Unless, mayhap, ’t was curiosity.
SIDDENS. Fond maiden!
MAID. No, upon my conscience, madam!
If I was fond of ’em I might have had ’em.
SIDDENS. Avoid! avaunt! beshrew me! ’tis in vain
That Shakspeare’s language germinates again.