The drama should be thoroughly impregnated with this colour of the time, which should be, in some sort, in the air, so that one detects it only on entering the theatre, and that on going forth one finds one's self in a different period and atmosphere.

It requires some study, some labour, to attain this end; so much the better.

It is well that the avenues of art should be obstructed by those brambles from which everybody recoils except those of powerful will.

Besides, it is this very study, fostered by an ardent inspiration, which will ensure the drama against a vice that kills it--the _commonplace_.

To be commonplace is the failing of short-sighted, short-breathed poets.