There's a scene in the third act--the Banquet in the Royal Palace--that's something you won't forget as long as you live.

A gorgeous hall, brilliantly illuminated--the whole Court in glittering costumes--the tables covered with gold and silver plate.

Peals of thunder, and a frightful tempest raging outside.

In the midst of the revels a conspiracy breaks out--enter Pania, bloody--Sardanapalus assumes a suit of armour, and admires himself in a looking-glass--and then the rival armies burst in, and a terrific battle ensues----" "What, in the dining-room ?" asked the astonished Austin.
"Well, well, the poet allows himself a bit of licence there, I admit; but that only gives us an opportunity of showing what fine stage-management can do," said Mr Buskin complacently.

"It's a magnificent situation.