OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.
⁂ We are greatly impressed by the kindness and courtesy of our readers who, for the sake of absolute strangers, copy out and forward to us long pieces of poetry. It is, however, only right for us to warn them that it is most uncertain whether these copies ever reach the persons for whom they are intended. We keep no register of addresses, and cannot undertake to forward MSS., while, even if we did so, the numbers of each copy would probably be far in excess of the demand. If no address, or request for a copy, is given by the inquirer in this column, it is quite sufficient to answer the question by simply mentioning the book or magazine where the desired extract can be found. We say this with full appreciation of the goodwill shown by our subscribers in the matter.
“Winton” has answers (in some cases copies) from Old Bournemouthian, Miss Edith Williamson, C. A. H., R. E. M. James, M. M., G. Shaw, M. J. P. M., “Azzie,” Dorothy Shove, Louie Francis, Lavinia Metcalfe, Ellen, Bertha L. Wright, Miss James, D. Morrish, A. G., Annie Nicholls, Edith H., B. Mountifield, Miss Hanly, and Daisy. The hymn is referred to Sankey’s Songs and Solos (732), the Christian Endeavour Hymnal, the Union Mission Hymnal, and the Hymnal Companion (No. 597).
“Doubtful” has answers, and in some cases copies, from M. M. Harris, Mrs. E. Bürck, Sophia, Evelyn Clare, Annie S. Hardy, Bertha Parks, Miss Kneeshaw, referring “The Noble Boy,” alias “Somebody’s Mother,” to Blackie’s Fourth Reader, Chambers’s Expressive Reader (price 9d.), and Nelson’s Royal Reader, No. 2.
Hope has replies from M. L. Spackman, “A Lover of Music,” “Midget,” and “Pansy.” “Trouble in Amen Corner” is by T. C. Harbaugh, and may be found in the Thousand Best Poems in the World (Hutchinson & Co.), and Chambers’s Elocution, new edition.
Rosemary wishes for the words of a song beginning—
“Mary and John, down in the distant old village.”
“Gowan” has a copy of “The Women of Mumbles Head,” sent by M. J. P. M. The poem is by Clement Scott, and may be found in Forsyth’s Practical Elocutionist (Blackie & Son).
Can anyone tell “Jecko” (Constantinople) the source of the following quotation?—
“In that hour of deep contrition
He beheld with clearer vision
Justice the Avenger rise.”