The Star in the West

II2 THE STAR IN THE WEST “ The gawk and dowdy with the long grey teeth , ” who jumps to conclusion , instant , out of hand , that : “ There is some nasty secret underneath . ” ? If Mrs. G--- d, or Mrs. Grundy , should happen to peruse this verse in “ Why Jesus Wept,” she might not be overpleased . If she perused it at all , the violent Cascarian properties of this social drama would probably prove as efficacious as a No. 9 would to the hide - bound bowels of Mr. Atkins . Due invitation is also made , and the following should even entice her prudish cerebellum : But stow your prudery , wives and mothers , You know as much muck as — those others ! Your modest homes are dull ; you need me ! Don't let your husbands know ; but -- read me !2 In this extraordinary volume , which seems to be the child of a promise made to Mr. Chesterton in the “ Sword of Song ,” we find a deeply cynical satire castigating with no little severity the menial servility of modern society , as scathing as a Beverland , as cynical as a Carlyle , and as satirical as a Butler . Its great theme is the contest “ of age and sense with flatulence and youth .” We have already shaken hands with Percy , Molly , and Lady Baird ( Angela ) ; we have still to be introduced to Lord Glenstrae . The first two form the flatulent element , the latter two the constipated substance of this drama . Angela , the female quantity ; Glenstrae the male : both are outwardly highly moral ; both are ready to lay their 1 Why Jesus Wept , vol . iii, p . 24 . 2 Ibid . vol . iii, p . 22. Cf. Martial , Epigrams , XI . 16 : Erubuit , posuitque meum Lucretia librum , Sed coram Bruto ; Brute , recede , leget .