THE SPHINX AND THE STICK.
A Song wherein is suggested a suitable Subject for an Ibsenite Tragedy.
[Sir JAMES CRICHTON-BROWNE thinks that "the reserve and suppression of emotional movement which is observed in English people" will probably result in all the women becoming sphinxes, and all the men sticks.]
"Oh! do wag your head!" said the Sphinx to the Stick.
"I can't," he replied, "or I would, darling, quick!
If you'll only indulge in a shrug and some winks,
You'll perhaps set me off," said the Stick to the Sphinx.
"Nay, long 'inhibition,'" the Sphinx made reply,
"Has imparted rigidity, love, to my eye."
"'Emotional movement' no longer is mine,"
Sighed the Stick to the Sphinx; "though I greatly incline
To a dig in your ribs, or a slap on your back
(As a sign of my love), all my muscles are slack.
My poor 'motor-centres' are all out of gear,
And I can't even 'chuck' your soft chin, sweet, I fear.
I'm sure such a stolid inflexible 'stick' you'll hate,
But, though I adore you, I cannot gesticulate—"
"My case is as bad," sighed the Sphinx to the Stick,
"For I cannot 'bridle'—no more than a brick."
Said the Stick to the Sphinx, "Ah, we once knew what love meant!
But, thanks to the loss of 'emotional movement,'
We can't give it 'graceful and chastened expression,'
And so it seems slipping fast out of possession.
Heigho! we had far better die, darling, quick!
Since you are a Sphinx, love, and I'm but a Stick!"
VERY LIKELY—JUST NOW.—A place to spend a Quiet Sunday—Eastbourne.
