Poems (Eytinge)/The call-boy's dream

THE CALL-BOY S DREAM.

"All up for the last act,
Vivien discovered;
I'm mighty tired, that's a fact!"
In the wing he hovered,
Looking 'round with anxious face.
"Everybody in his place?
Yes, she's waiting for the cue;
Now, I've nothin' more to do.

"How the fourth one seems to drag!
It's everlastin' creepy.
Why don't Philip spout the tag?
I am so dreadful sleepy.
These Christmas plays is awful slow,
I don't get nothin' by 'em,
The leadin'-man he's all the show,
The rest—they on'y guy 'em."

Musing thus, he fell asleep,
And dreamed that he was starring;
His agents failed the dates to meet,
His fame completely marring.
And then it really was a shame,
In spite of "ad." and poster
The critics made it all their aim
To serve him up a "roaster."

His lines were hard, his lady-lead
Was haughty and conceited;
On every point they disagreed,
And he retired defeated.
The lad awoke, the dream was past:
"This starring isn't all joy,"
He wisely said. "Make out yer cast,
An' put me down as call-boy."