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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHARGE TO THE PLAYERS by JOHN DRINKWATER

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHADES, THAT OUR TOWN-FELLOWS HAVE COME
Last Line: THIS GIFT OF SONG, HIMSELF A SHADE.
Subject(s): ACTORS & ACTRESSES; ACTRESSES;

THE TROJAN WOMEN, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY
THEATRE, APRIL 1918

SHADES, that our town-fellows have come
To hear rewake for Christendom
This cleansing of a Pagan wrong
In flowing tides of tragic song, --
You shadows that the living call
To walk again the Trojan wall, --
You lips and countenance renewed
Of an immortal fortitude, --
Know that, among the silent rows
Of these our daily town-fellows,
Watching the shades with these who bring
But mortal ears to this you sing,
There somewhere sits the Greek who made
This gift of song, himself a shade.



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