Henry Cuyler Bunner

Farewell to Salvini

Although a curtain of the salt sea-mist
May fall between the actor and our eyes —
Although he change, for dear and softer skies,
These that the Spring has yet but coyly kist —
Although the voice to which we loved to list
Fail ere the thunder of our plaudits dies —
Although he part from us in gracious wise,
With grateful Memory left his eulogist—
His best is with us still.
His perfect art
Has held us ‘twixt a heart-throb and a tear—
Cheating our souls to passionate belief:
And in his greatness we have now some part—
We have been courtiers of the crownless Lear,
And partners in Othello’s mighty grief.