In the autumn of 1873 Mr. Irving revived at the Lyceum Lord Lytton's "Richelieu," and the play was speedily followed at the Olympic by the "Richelieu Redressed" of Mr. Reece. This is remarkable, to begin with, as being written throughout in blank verse--an agreeable departure from the time-honoured couplet. The general travestie is close, and there is a certain amount of direct parody, as where Richelieu is made to say that In the great Lexicon of Politics There's no such word as Truth! In the "curse of Rome" scene, Richelieu draws around himself "the awful circle of the Daily Press!" Fun, too, is made of the well-known exit of Baradas at the words "All in despite of my lord Cardinal," and also of the various ways in which actors are wont to pronounce the simple word "Julie." The piece has a strong political flavour throughout, in compliment, no doubt, to the general election, which was then in prospect. Richelieu thus soliloquises:-- A general election! At the word Upspring a thousand hopes--ten thousand fears! From the great Limbo of past sessions rise The ghost of certain Legislative Acts To taunt me with my shifting policy: Amidst them, gaunt and frowning--Income-tax Broods o'er my heart--I cannot take it off! While lesser demons, labelled--Sugar, Tea, Malt, Hops, and kindred duties--hover round And gibber, "Where's your popularity?" For this reward I have to bear the brunt Of deputations--tedious committees, The dull assaults of country members, and Whitebait as large as herrings. Ah, the fish At ministerial banquets should be _Plaice_! Of Richelieu's genius for suspicion the Duke of Orleans and his party thus discourse:-- _Duke._ Breathe not the words "'Tis wet." He'll twist that phrase Into reflections on th' existing _reign_, Or with some public measure discontent Because you chanced to say, "It isn't _fair_!" _Baradas._ There's truth, sir, in your jest; 'tis hard to say What is a safe discussion nowadays! _La Foix._ Even the King falls under his distrust! _Malesherbes._ He treats him like a child in leading-strings! _Duke._ Ay! at the royal breakfast Richelieu stands, And cracks each egg--to see no treason's hatched. _All_ (_laughing_). Well said! _Duke._ His caution o'er the dinner broods, And in each _pâté_ sees a dangerous _spy_. _Baradas._ Escorts the King to bed, and, lest his charge Should dream of _marriage_, secretly removes The _Royal matches_, as suggestive!