Masks

Often, the books about the ancients told

That actors had used masks, but never how.

“Masks were an adjunct of the past,” we thought,

“A savagery, for savage dances wrought,

Adapted to the theatres of old.

Then cast aside, and well-forgotten now.”

Then, suddenly, we saw them made alive,

Tragic or comic at a dancer’s will,

And, as Ulysses saw the spirits drive

Numberless, piteous, proud, we were aware

Of all a great past’s passion standing there

And all man’s living spirit quaking still.

John Masefield