The Seventh Hussars at Meean Meer. 35 



to the notice of my readers, who, I am confident, will 

 appreciate them. They are as follows : — 



" I do not come before the lamps to-night 

 To speak the prologue that I did not write. 

 A place is paved with things that I've intended ; 

 I crave your pardon — least said, soonest mended — 

 But this last night, when, for a time uncertain, 

 These gifted actors pass behind the curtain, 

 I cannot speak what all must wish expressed, 

 Our praise, our gratitude, and — all the rest. 

 When loved friends part, when gleaming eyes are wet, 

 It may be vain to say, in phrases set, 

 Our happiness is dead, our hearts are broken ; 

 The truest, fondest thoughts are never spoken. 

 But we, whose hearts are somewhat hard, may tell 

 Our friends how loth we are to say farewell 

 To those to whom our warmest thanks are due, 

 And these I offer on behalf of you. 

 Myself an actor in the corps, ere age 

 And failing memory forced me from the stage, 

 I claim a right to plead the. actors' cause. 

 And ask from you their crown of just applause. 

 The actresses require no words of mine 

 To praise the charms which heaven has made divine. 

 Miss Lydiard, piquaiitc, beautiful, and young 

 As any goddess poets ever sung ; 

 Miss Beresford,' whose eyes no hearts resist, 

 The sweetest maid that ever yet was kissed : 

 And darling Esmeralda, who need never 

 Ask Art to make her ' beautiful for ever.' 



' Lord Marcus. 



