ON THE HURRY OF THIS TIME. (To F. G.) WITH slower pen men used to write, 66 Of old, when letters" were "polite;" In ANNA's, or in GEORGE's days, They could afford to turn a phrase, Or trim a straggling theme aright. They knew not steam; electric light Too swiftly now the Hours take flight! Scant space have we for Art's delays, Whose breathless thought so briefly stays, We may not work ah! would we might! — With slower pen. "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.) BUT once or twice we met, touched hands. 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 airAcross the stream - faint music rare, Whose 66 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, 66 Allons, embarquons pour Cythère"; You will not? Press her, then, Pierrot, - 66 TO ETHEL. (Who wishes she had lived "In teacup-times of hood and hoop, "IN teacup-times!" The style of dress And I no doubt - could well express The parts would fit precisely-yes : |