It was an actor, seedy, sad,
Who stood within the gate;
Long weary marches he had had -
He had not dined of late.
He sighed: "I hope I don't intrude.
Believe me or I die:
For days I have not tasted food.
A stranded player I."
"An actor man?" the lady said.
"What is your favourite role?"
"Hot, madam, and with butter spread,"
He answered from his soul.
First published in The Bulletin, 22 September 1910
Who stood within the gate;
Long weary marches he had had -
He had not dined of late.
He sighed: "I hope I don't intrude.
Believe me or I die:
For days I have not tasted food.
A stranded player I."
"An actor man?" the lady said.
"What is your favourite role?"
"Hot, madam, and with butter spread,"
He answered from his soul.
First published in The Bulletin, 22 September 1910
Author reference sites: C.J. Dennis, Austlit, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian Poetry Library
See also.
