She was no longer the parent of arts and letters, of wholesome knowledge, of innocent pleasures, of blessed household smiles.

In their place came sour faces, whining voices, the chattering of fools, the yells of madmen.

Then men fasted from meat and drink, who fasted not from bribes and blood.

Then men frowned at stage-plays, who smiled at massacres.

Then men preached against painted faces, who felt no remorse for their own most painted lives.