Fabien Dei Franchi to My Friend Henry Irving

by Lord Byron — a poem card from Justes Mots

A Shakespearean sonnet praising an actor's potential to embody tragic roles, using Gothic imagery of ghosts and revenge. The poem suggests the subject is worthy of performing the greatest Shakespearean characters. Rather than suited to occasions, this poem serves as a literary tribute to theatrical talent and dramatic genius.

Thesilent room, the
heavy creeping shade,
The dead that travel fast, the opening door,
The murdered brother rising through the floor,
The ghost’s white fingers on thy shoulders laid,
And then the lonely duel in the glade,
The broken swords, the stifled scream, the gore,
Thy grand revengeful eyes when all is…

Themes: gratitude · friendship · admiration · sympathy