I had stopped to read a handbill of the play, br Caught by the lettering. Thus it was I read, br ``Programme of this night's pieces, Saturday br The twentieth of October, `X. Y. Z.,' br A piece in one act, and `Les Bergers Fous,' br These to be followed by the well--known `drame' br Of `Manon Lescaut,' here brought out anew br For the first time at Lyons.'' And a name br Followed in giant type of one who then br Illustrious stood in all the world of folly, br The most sublime Comedian known to men, br ``Mademoiselle Esther, Muse of Melancholy.'' br She in her part of Manon, so 'twas writ, br Three nights would play in honour infinite.