| “Kind friends, with kindly greetings met to-day,
We bid you welcome to our opening play:
You, whose indulgent smile forbids the fear
Of scornful wit or captious critic here.
To-day we welcome you, and not to-night,
For all is noon with us—all summer bright;
And though the southern sun has ceased to pour
His glittering rays upon our ice-bound shore—
Has ceased awhile to touch with drops of gold
The crystal corners of our hummocks bold;
We bear a warm soft light that never fades—
A lustrous light amid these Greenland shades;
All trustful of each other’s love, we learn
With steady flame our lamp of Hope to burn;
And suns may set, and twilights disappear—
They shall not rob us of our Christmas cheer;
Nor blinding drift, nor frozen wave, shall chill
Our laughter glad—for laugh, brave boys, we will;
Kindling yet once again the genial glow
Of happy English homes on Arctic floe.
“Yet once again; for none would here forget
We are but sons of fathers living yet;
In work and play alike, we but renew
The deeds of men who taught us what to do.
And though, more favoured than the rest, we soar
To loftier flights than theirs who went before;
Though ours the boast, by skilful guidance led,
In virgin climes our shifting scene to spread;
We love to read on history’s faithful page,
Of ancient triumphs on our Northern stage,
And boldly for our brave forerunners claim
An Arctic ‘cast’ already known to fame.
“Now let the tell-tale curtain rise, and say
What we have done to while your hours away.
Such as we have, we bring you of our best,
And to your kind forbearance leave the rest.
One only grief is ours, and you shall share
With us the burden of that gentle care.
One cherished form we miss—one touch alone—
One glance of love—one tender, thrilling tone.
Ah! in the sweet homes of our native isle
The dear ones move, and minister, and smile.
We would not wish them here, but this we know,
Their thoughts are with us every step we go:
Their life sets northward o’er the cold, grey sea:
They live in wondering what our life may be;
And heart draws near to heart, and soul to soul,
Till each has found its true magnetic pole.
“God bless and keep them in His mighty hand—
Our wives and sweethearts, and the dear old land!”
|
The prologue was warmly applauded. At its conclusion the curtain rose, and the following programme, showing the plays that were acted and the cast of characters, was proceeded with.
THE ROYAL ARCTIC THEATRE
Will be re-opened on Thursday next, the 18th instant, by
the powerful dramatic company of
Hyperboreans!
Under the distinguished patronage of Capt. Nares, the members of the Arctic Exploring Expedition, and all the nobility and gentry of the neighbourhood.
The world-wide reputation of this company is quite unrivalled. The manager has spared neither trouble nor expense in forming this company, and has selected none but the very best artistes—the ladies being from England—who, having numerous other engagements, can remain for a short time only.
The scenic arrangements, under the control and manipulation of that celebrated artist, Professor Moss, must be acknowledged to be unparalleled in the experience of ages and of the highest order.
The orchestra, under the management of Signore Aldrichi (lately from Milan) cannot fail to be appreciated by the audience.