“It is like a romance,” said Phazma, finally, at the conclusion of this narration.
“Say, rather, reality! The masque is over! In that final sleep Jack Pudding lies with Roscius; the tragedian does not disdain the mummer, and beautiful Columbine, all silver spangles and lace, is company for the clown. ’Tis the only true republic, Phazma; death’s Utopia!”
“But to think he should have died with those words of the poet on his lips?”
“A coincidence!” answered Straws. “No more notable than the death of Edmund Kean, who, when he 425 reached the passage ‘Farewell, Othello’s occupation’s gone!’ fell back unconscious; or that of John Palmer, who, after reciting ‘There is another and a better world,’ passed away without a pang.”
A silence fell between the two poets; around them shadows appeared and vanished. Phazma finished his syrup and arose.
“Don’t go,” said Straws. “My own thoughts are poor company. Recite some of your madrigals, that’s a good fellow! What a wretched night! These rain-drops are like the pattering feet of the invisible host. Some simple song, Phazma!”
“As many as you please!” cried his flattered brother-bard. “What shall it be?”
“One of your Rhymes for Children. Your ‘Boy’s Kingdom,’ beginning:
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“When I was young, I dreamed of knights And dames with silken trains.” |
“Thou shalt have it, mon ami!”