VAGRANT VERSE

Southland Times, Issue 19590, 11 August 1922, Page 4

VAGRANT VERSE

MISS MAUDE HOYDENS PRAYER (Written for the Southland Times.) ■ We thank Thee O Lord, for the finm>. ial relief that hax come to Lilian UayhH. May her future be under Thy guidance. We further pray for all poets and player**, all actors and artreH:-es May they always deHire the highest ideals'‘ Mj*H Lilian Baylis Is the manageress of the 'Old Vie." Theatre In Waterloo Rost. London, the modern home of Shakespeare, wlm.« Ims been saved irom extinction by an anonym.' . > gift of XW.lXit'. It wuh at Miss Baylis's n.que-i | ihat Miss Royden offered the prayer of thanks1. Mil* Maude Boyden doesn’t care Whom she puts into her prayer. Probably of London growth She’s wide of mind and humble both, Quite allowing to the Lord Gifts that others won't afford, Poets and players everyone Think a deal of what Maude’s Actors, actresses and such Whom to some don’t matter much, Have withal this calling fine To speak forth “Marlowe's mighty line.'* 2, Miss Maude Royden thanks the Lord That He somehow kept watch and ward Of the "Old Vic.” which never paid. Where Shakespeare’s drama still is played. Prays for Miss Lilian Baylis, and The full cast at her command. For they in spite of all that’s said Aro busy t both with heart and head, And in ai'world so cold and hard Are the true teachers of the Bard. The Bard whose classic name re\ealfc All that the struggling human feels. Miss Maude Royden take our than’’* In a world of many blanks. You, indeed, shall prove a prize Speaking lone without disguise, Speaking hope in artists’ tasks, Finding joy in all one asks; No harsh line of strict law draw* Like a fence about a lawn; No demand that England’s stage Ils unfit for saint or sage, But a splendid linking cord Ju the keeping of the Lord. ( Soutlicrner. • Invercargill, August 10.