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IMPROMPTU
ON THE FITTING UP OF THE NEW BATH THEATRE,
WHICH WAS OF TOO GLARING A RED: MRS, EDWIN
THERE WAS THE FAVOURITE COMIC ACTRESS.
VAINLY I thought that in this brilliant scene The favour'd muse, gay Comedy, had been; That here her wit, her grace, her witching smile, Would steal away all hearts, all cares beguile. But, Heavens! look round! of her no traits appear, Thalia's fled, Melpomene is here; Where'er I turn, above, below, each side, Of tragic blood behold a crimson tide; The Loves and Graces are in terror fled, Lest they like Pharaoh's host be drown'd in red.