ON THE HURRY OF THIS TIME. ON THE HURRY OF THIS TIME. (To F. G.) WITH slower pen men used to write, Of old, when letters" were "polite;" They knew not steam; electric light Too swiftly now the Hours take flight! Scant space have we for Art's delays, "WHEN BURBADGE PLAYED." (To L. B.) WHEN Burbadge played, the stage was bare Of fount and temple, tower and stair ; Two backswords eked a battle out; Two supers made a rabble rout; The Throne of Denmark was a chair! And yet, no less, the audience there This is the Actor's gift; to share When Burbadge played! A GREETING. (To W. C.) UT once or twice we met, touched hands. BUT To-day between us both expands A waste of tumbling waters wide,- Time like a despot speeds his sands: We walked, we talked by Thamis' side What makes a friend? What filmy strands What knot is this so firmly tied That naught but Fate can now divide?— Ah, these are things one understands But once or twice! AFTER WATTEAU. (To F. W.) "EMBARQUONS-NOUS!" I seem to go Against my will. 'Neath alleys low I bend, and hear across the air Across the stream faint music rare, Whose "cornemuse," whose "chalumeau "? Hark! was not that a laugh I know? The silk sail flaps, light breezes blow; You, with the love-knot in your hair, "Allons, embarquons pour Cythère"; You will not? Press her, then, Pierrot, "Embarquons-nous !" 66 TO ETHEL. (Who wishes she had lived "In teacup-times of hood and hoop, “IN teacup-times ! " And I no doubt - could well express The parts would fit precisely-yes: |