"When Burbadge Played"

WhenN Burbadge played, the stage was bare Of fount and temple, tower and stair; Two backswords eked a battle out; Two supers made a rabble rout; The throne of Denmark was a chair! And yet, no less, the audience there Thrilled, through all changes of Despair, Hope, Anger, Fear, Delight, and Doubt When Burbadge played! This is the Actor's gift: to share All moods, all passions, nor to care One whit for scene, so he without Can lead men's minds the roundabout Stirred as of old those hearers were, When Burbadge played!