POETRY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2062, 2 October 1880, Page 3

POETRY.

DORKINGS’ NIGHT. It mi Dorking’ night, and the theatre was tail— That is, Dorkings was going to play A character new to himself and the stage, ’Pon which he’d trod many a day. By eight the theatre was perfectly fall. All awaited a pleasant surprise. For they knew that with laughter their sides would ache. And they longed for the curtain to rise. The play soon began, each neck was stretched forth, And eagerly watched each eye. For Dorkins to make his drat entrance, and then To give him a cheerful “Hi, hi! ’’ At length ha appeared, amidst lend applause. But something was wrong yon could see, Why Dorkins is acting quite badly tonight. The people said sitting round me. A hiss I yes it was—l saw Dorkin’s start. As though stung by a serpent’s fang. He cast a beseeching look all around. And his head on his breast he did hang. Some said he was drunk, and 1 thought so myself. For to me is was awful at times, To see how ha struggled aloug with his part. And continually stuck in his lines. At length ho the footlights then slowly ' approached. And, “Ladies and gentlemen,” said, " Believe me, if I cannot please yon tonight, Tho fault’s not the heart but the head. Many a time I have made yon all laugh. When I was scarce able to stand. And every effort was pain to me then, Yes, if I’d e’en raise my hand. Yon hissed me to night, and say that I’m drunk ! (From his breast came a sob and a moan) When I tell you the reason I know you’ll not laugh— Iv’e a little one dying at home ! "