Anthony Jerome Griffin

“ In the performance of a modern drama, in which so much depends upon the scenery and action, there is no need for a chorus; but in the following poem it will be obvious that the expedient of resorting to the chorus is required by the nature of the drama and of the observations which could not properly come from its sole actor. Under the law of the Grecian drama, the chorus was not permitted to leave the orchestra throughout the course of the drama. ”

“ For thousands of years mankind has been fluctuating between the extremes of individual selfishness and race selfishness. It is only a short step from Emerson's philosophy of Self-Reliance to the arrogant Superman theory of Nietzsche. The individual must be taught that what is best for the community is best for himself; and races must learn that what is best for mankind is best for every race in common. ”

“ Even religious intolerance, suspended for a time, has reawakened and, while its blinded votaries are struggling for tactical advantage, Paganism runs rampant with poisonous fangs aimed at the heart of all religion. Races, too, are stirred again to selfish rivalries. ”

“ In answer to the possible objection that the want of action might militate against the use of the dramatic form in the following poem, it may be observed that the Persians of Æschylus is practically a narrative. ”