Chats in the Book-Room

by Horace N. Pym

And the soul of a child looked out of the eyes of a child,

Or ever the tale was done.

O my child, who wronged you first, and began

First the dance of death that you dance so well?

Soul for soul: and I think the soul of a man

Shall answer for yours in hell."

Mr. Austin Dobson and the late Mr. Locker-Lampson are perhaps the finest writers of vers de Société since Praed; whilst in the broader school of humour C. S. Calverley, Mr. Dodgson (of "Alice in Wonderland" fame), and the late James Kenneth Stephen, stand alone and unchallenged; and Mr. Watson, if health serve, will go far; and so with some pathetic words of one of these moderns we will end this somewhat aimless chat:—

"My heart is dashed with cares and fears,

My song comes fluttering and is gone;

Oh, high above this home of tears,