Classic Poem

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.