 | Voices and visions |  |
5
THE OLD ACTOR
He plays the parts we watched him play of old
With supple and vibrant voice, with healthful frame;
But all his ancient skill has now grown cold
And tame.
With supple and vibrant voice, with healthful frame;
But all his ancient skill has now grown cold
And tame.
The people are kind; their strenuous welcome cheers,
Yet rings as if 'twere echoing, loud or low,
The hardier plaudits that were given him years
Ago.
Yet rings as if 'twere echoing, loud or low,
The hardier plaudits that were given him years
Ago.
His art of yore, both real and regnant then,
Courts now mere vacant mummery; and at whiles
Mirth wages fight with melancholy ... as when
He smiles.
Courts now mere vacant mummery; and at whiles
Mirth wages fight with melancholy ... as when
He smiles.
Or yet so tired he seems, by claims that task
Those powers of portraiture once firm and high,
Pathos but half screens humour, like a mask
Worn wry.
Those powers of portraiture once firm and high,
Pathos but half screens humour, like a mask
Worn wry.
Ah, piteous trend of time, that thus may bring
Genius from grand achievement to grotesque—
Turn Falstaff tragic, and round Hamlet fling
Burlesque!
Genius from grand achievement to grotesque—
Turn Falstaff tragic, and round Hamlet fling
Burlesque!
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