1905.] on Dramatic Thoughts: Retrospective — Anticipative. 71 



known yet unknown world — the public. By chance I recently came 

 across some words which once more show how history repeats itself : 

 they were written of Queen Elizabeth. " To her encouragement the 

 theatre was still more directly indebted for the stamp of approba- 

 tion that was at once discriminatino: and royal, and therefore pro- 

 ductive of the most beneficial influence upon the fortunes of the 

 stage." How closely the language applies to the great Queen whom 

 we have lost ; to the great actor we are about to lose ; for it will 

 ever be remembered that Henry Irving was the first member of 

 the dramatic profession to receive from his sovereign a long coveted 

 prize — the honour and dignity of State recognition : so placing his 

 calling on a level with the rest of the world, no more to be looked 

 at askance, but recognised as leading to a share of the distinctions 

 enjoyed by his fellow men. No better citizen ever bent the knee 

 in loyalty : so reminding us that in the troublous times of long 

 ago the actors were among the first to rally round their King, 

 when treason was near the throne, throwing aside the sock and 

 buskin to take up arms as servants of His Majesty. 



In far more eloquent words than I can command — words from 

 the pen of Arthur Pinero — " the history of the theatre will enduringly 

 chronicle his achievements, and tradition will fondly render an account 

 of his personal qualities ; and so, from generation to generation, the 

 English actor will be reminded that his position in the public regard 

 is founded in no small degree upon the pre-eminence of Sir Henry 

 Irving's career and upon the nobility, dignity and sweetness of his 

 private character." It may also be truly said of Irving, as of one 

 of the most distinguished of his predecessors, " He who has done a 

 single thing that others never forget, and feel ennobled whenever 

 they think of, need not regret his having been, and may throw aside 

 this fleshly coil like any other worn-out part, grateful and contented." 



" His was the spell o'er hearts, 



That only Acting lends, 

 The youngest of the sister arts. 



Where all their beauty blends. 

 For Poetry can ill express 



Full many a tone of thought sublime ; 

 And Painting, mute and motionless, 



Steals but one partial glance from time. 

 But, by the mighty Actor brought. 



Illusion's wedded triumphs come, 

 Verse ceases to be airy thought, 



And Sculpture to be dumb ! " 



With affection and esteem I lay my tribute at Henry Irving's 

 feet : his remarkable campaign will take its place in the history of 

 his country, for he is one of the rulers and leaders of men who has 

 earned the privilege given but to few, and has become the property 

 of the world. 



