[Illustration: _Audience._ "BRAVO, MONSEIGNEUR!"]
"BRAVO Monseigneur!" Quite a natural cry,
For he looks picturesque, and appears to be plucky,
The Roscius _rôle_ the young actor would try;
His _début_ "gets a hand," which is certainly lucky.
These Infant Phenomena frequently fail
To rouse anything more than good-natured derision;
But clappings and cheers this boy histrion hail.
What then is his Vision?
"The thoughts of youth, they are long, long thoughts;"
Exceedingly true, most mellifluous LONGFELLOW!
But later come crosses, oft leading to noughts,
And "_l'homme nécessaire_" often finds he's the wrong fellow.
How many _débuts_ have occurred on the Stage
With various set scenes, and with properties varied?
Sensationalism, the vice of the age,
To extremes has been carried.
A good situation all actors desire,
All playrights approve, and all managers glory in.
He has struck out his own with decision and fire.
What part will he play a more serious story in?
Who knows? For the moment the cue is applause.
"_Vive_, ROSCIUS!" It may mean mere _claque_, empty chatter.
And whether the youngster will further the Cause
Is a different matter.
_A coup de théâtre_ is not everything,
As well he's aware, that tragedian troubled
Who is gliding so gloomily off at the wing.
Hope's cup at his lips lately brimmingly bubbled,
Now "foiled by a novice, eclipsed by a boy!"
Is the thought in his mind. The reflection is bitter--
Theatrical taste often craves a fresh toy,
And is captured by glitter.
What thinks Madame France of the attitude struck
By this confident slip of good stock histrionic?
Though dames swear their dear _Petit Duc_ is a duck,
The smile of old stagers is somewhat ironic.
But "Bravas!" resound. A lad's "resolute will,"
The "wisdom of twenty years," stir admiration,
The political _Café Chantant_ pluck will thrill
In a stage-loving nation.
* * * * *
ROYAL BERKSHIRE.--Go to DOWDESWELL'S, in Bond Street, and they will
show you how County-history is written in the present day. It is
altogether different to the dull, old, dry volumes, "the musty
histories," which our grandfathers exhibited on their shelves, but
never took down to read; and these County-historians are of a much
more entertaining character. Those who know Royal Berkshire well--as
most of us do--will be glad to have their memory refreshed by the
fresh, bright, breezy pictures by YEEND KING, JOHN M. BROMLEY, and J.
M. MACKINTOSH. KEELEY HALSWELLE'S superb painting of "_Royal Windsor_"
occupies the place of honour in the room. It is one of the best
pictures--and at the same time one of the most unconventional--ever
produced of this oft-painted subject.
* * * * *