THE DYING ACTRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 476, 20 July 1871, Page 3

THE DYING ACTRESS.

The following poem wna suggested by the death of E. J. This talented lady whs for yeura nn ornament to the New Zealand staje, and her early death occasioned universal regret.

Tis morn ! 'tis early morn ! The bright sun's infant beams Dispel the vap'ry mists for coming day, Peep through a window, gently kissing on c who dreams, And flit round one who's kneeling there to pray. A face, a lovely face, that dreamer's lying there, Though near-hand Death has paled its rosy hues ; A sweet form—her sister's—that one engaged in prayer, The snowy linen with her tears bedews. The dreamer wakes ! To heaven th' unfinished prayer mounts high ; The sick girl murmurs with a feeble voice— "So young! Dear sister, O! I thought it hard to die; I've had a happy dream and now rejoice. " I thought a myriad angels bore me, in their arms, Up, up all through sweet fragrant breathing skies, On, in seraphic flight, through countless heavenly charms, TiU Paradise was reached, where no one dies. " Grim Death ! A hundred times a dying scene I've played— Deathbed of the virtuous, frail and fair. And counterfeiting thus, I've moaned and sobbed and When all the time my heart was free from care. " Alas ! now foolish I, whilst striving to pourtray The flnal moment of a sinner's life, Ne'er thought that sinful I should one day take the Nor dreamt the anguish of the actual strife;" She sighs, and pearly tears course slow adown her cheek; Her eyes gaze vacant on the morning light: With sobs and utt'rance choked, her sister tries to speak; The tenant soul has spread its wing 3 for flight. With ashy trembling lips, the dying actress prays To God, to catch her soul up as it flies ; The sun, her face and form encircles with its rays ; And, with a smile, she breathes her last and dies. She's dead ! And now no more tire footlights' sickly Wilfltght her form, in gaudy dress arrayed^: She's dead ! And for her now no more the world s bold Her part is played ! Her last grand exit made ! June, 1871. Lancblot Booth.