AN ACTOR'S BURIAL
I
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Sir Henry Irving died at Bradford on October 13, 1905, and was buried in
Westminster Abbey on October 20.
Crowned by a world whose heart his genius swayed,
Through dim October light a great man goes
From ceaseless labour to supreme repose:
The arduous part has been superbly played.
Death summoned,—and no dallying foot delayed:
The curtain falls that for the long toil rose.
To that strange stage no human eyesight knows
He passes, trusting, hopeful, undismayed.
Missing the actor changed into a friend,
His London for a moment feels alone.
Once more the Abbey's solemn arms extend
Welcome. No sound of ringing trumpets blown
Marshals this valiant spirit to his end,
But Memory's hands will rear his silent throne.
