In 1879 poor Belford's health broke down. Like many of his kind in the good-natured, easy-going, and absolutely unselfish circles to which he belonged, he had made little or no provision for such a disaster, and right cheerfully his friends came to his aid, just as in stage-land friends invariably do. Henry Irving played his famous character of Digby Grant in "The Two Roses," and this was supplemented by a performance of the "Trial" scene from "Pickwick," in which many prominent actors appeared. Ellen Terry, who had met William Belford in the Charles Kean days at the Princess's, very appropriately, as well as very beautifully, delivered an address from the deft pen of Clement Scott, which ran as follows:-- "To one and all a welcome! That's the way To point a prologue, or to start a play; But something tells me that your thoughts are tending Towards one who starts no more--whose play is ending. Nay, look not sad; no suppliant appears To chase your smiles and undermine your tears; I ask your sympathy, but it were folly To join dear Belford's name with melancholy. On such a merry heart rare friendship waits; To him Bohemia threw wide her gates! Up started he the first at laughter's call, Had found at clubs best welcome of them all. Full of rare anecdote and riper wit, Favoured by stalls and idolised by pit; An airy butterfly, who held in hand The mirth of Sadler's Wells, the fun of Strand, Varied and versatile, but ever cheery; Now Gratiano, mocking, now Dundreary, He was the sunshine that existence mellows-- Friend, guide, comedian, and best of fellows! Why do I say 'he was,' and seem to cast A present favourite into the past? He's with us yet, and could he but address you, I'd say for you, 'Shake hands, old friend, God bless you!' There ran a rumour lately through the town,' 'O have you heard! poor Belford's breaking down!' A gentleman, and Spartan like the rest, Too proud to show the fox that gnawed his breast, He murmured not, sat waiting, did not shirk, And to the last hoped against hope for work, Till those who loved him saw in eyes grown dim The pain he'd saved from others, clung to him. I'd have you know--tell it from south to north, Our friend hung back--_his_ friends have led him forth, And we were right--the public heart we knew, The stage's favourites belong to you!