Volume Iv Part 9 (2/2)

Edmund Gosse [1849-1928]

”WITH STRAWBERRIES”

With strawberries we filled a tray, And then we drove away, away Along the links beside the sea, Where wave and wind were light and free, And August felt as fresh as May,

And where the springy turf was gay With thyme and balm and many a spray Of wild roses, you tempted me With strawberries!

A shadowy sail, silent and gray, Stole like a ghost across the bay; But none could hear me ask my fee, And none could know what came to be.

Can sweethearts all their thirst allay With strawberries?

William Ernest Henley [1849-1903]

BALLADE OF LADIES' NAMES

Brown's for Lalage, Jones for Lelia, Robinson's bosom for Beatrice glows, Smith is a Hamlet before Ophelia.

The glamor stays if the reason goes!

Every lover the years disclose Is of a beautiful name made free.

One befriends, and all others are foes.

Anna's the name of names for me.

Sentiment hallows the vowels of Delia; Sweet simplicity breathes from Rose; Courtly memories glitter in Celia; Rosalind savors of quips and hose, Araminta of wits and beaux, Prue of puddings, and Coralie All of sawdust and spangled shows; Anna's the name of names for me.

Fie upon Caroline, Madge, Amelia-- These I reckon the essence of prose!-- Cavalier Katherine, cold Cornelia, Portia's masterful Roman nose, Maud's magnificence, Totty's toes, Poll and Bet with their tw.a.n.g of the sea, Nell's impertinence, Pamela's woes!

Anna's the name of names for me.

ENVOY Ruth like a gillyflower smells and blows, Sylvia prattles of Arcadee, Sybil mystifies, Connie crows, Anna's the name of names for me!

William Ernest Henley [1849-1903]

TO A PAIR OF EGYPTIAN SLIPPERS

Tiny slippers of gold and green, Tied with a mouldering golden cord!

What pretty feet they must have been When Caesar Augustus was Egypt's lord!

Somebody graceful and fair you were!

Not many girls could dance in these!

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