The Empty Chair

The Empty Chair

Judy (London), June 22, 1870

Charles Dickens

Born 7th February, 1812 Died 9th June, 1870

Who has not own'd the magic of his skill
Who thrill'd us with fictitious joy and woe?
Raised, in a moment, laughter at his will,
Or caused the sympathetic tear to flow?
And must the brain that plann'd — the hand that penn'd —
Lie nerveless from henceforth, mere dust and clay?
Must all the glory of a lifetime end
When from the earth the spirit wings its way?
Not so with him we mourn. His fancy flows
Fresh as when first he charm'd us with his art;
He made a world, and peopled it with those
Who live in our remembrance and our heart.
Let England, then, her grieving tribute lend,
The Nation mourns him as the Nation's friend.
[Reprinted Wikins and Matz, pp. 171-73]

Scanned image and text by George P. Landow.

[This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose.]