Also two figures eight feet high, are said to be under the chissel, one of Thalia, and the other of melpomene, the comic and the tragic muses; the value one hundred and sixty guineas.
"An History of Birmingham (1783)"
William Hutton
But his own tragic Muse, melpomene, replies with the apology, that though unworthy to speak of holy mysteries, yet with his earthly song he had striven to soothe his own aching heart, and render a due tribute to human love; and inasmuch as the comfort he had drawn was "clasp'd in truth reveal'd," had its foundation in the Gospel: he daringly "loiter'd in the Master's field, And darken'd sanctities with song."
"A Key to Lord Tennyson's 'In Memoriam'"
Alfred Gatty
We were to be called for at the Blue Posts, and a boat would fetch us off to the melpomene frigate.
"Merry-Garden and Other Stories"
Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch