And to the last hoped against hope for work,
Till those who loved him saw in eyes grown dim
The pain he'd saved from others, clung to him.
I'd have you know—tell it from south to north,
Our friend hung back—his friends have led him forth,
And we were right—the public heart we knew,
The stage's favourites belong to you!
Behind the curtain, one and all rejoice,
To join their work to your responsive voice;