O had I known that thus it happens, br When first I started, that at will br Your lines with blood in them destroy you, br Roll up into your throat and kill, br br My answer to this kind of joking br Had been a most decisive 'no'. br So distant was the start, so timid br The first approach-what could one know? br br But older age is Rome, demanding br From actors not a gaudy blend br Of props and reading, but in earnest br A tragedy, with tragic end. br br A slave is sent to the arena br When feeling has produced a line. br Tnen breathing soil and fate take over br And art has done and must resign.