The Actor’s Farewell

The actor stood with his only love, Alone by the foaming sea; Breathing vows of affection, Devotion and constancy. The season, it had opened, Long months she’d have to wait; For the company’s out for forty weeks, From Maine to the Golden Gate. To his darling little Katie, In confidence he has told; From the state of California He will steal the Gate of Gold (For his purse it is not heavy); Then he also will have time To pick up the Free Silver In the Colorado clime. He whispers then a last “good-bye.” He will return with the June bug. Then with a kiss and loving sigh, They took their parting hug. (The following June—The Actor’s return.) Shoes all gone; clothes all torn; Actor now feels quite forlorn. Life’s a pest, needs a rest, Had to walk from way out West. Watch in soak, heart is broke, Plans have vanished just like smoke; Katie’s pet, busted yet, Couldn’t buy a cigarette. People slow, got no go, A good actor they don’t know; Have to work like a Turk, No more acting—dry goods clerk.