A BALLAD OF NAMES

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 10, 11 December 1931, Page 9

A BALLAD OF NAMES

Some love the Laureate’s “tall Elaine” There are, who leaving Maud and May, With Morris of Lolande are “fain” (And add thereto, perchance, ‘le Fay”); Some shepherding with Phillis stray, And some with Greek Autonoe ; I care not who shall say me nay ; But Rose is still the name for me. To Bulwer’s Blanche some true remain ; Some Ethel love with Thackeray ; Some turn to Dickens’ Nell, again ; Some choose the Ruth of Wordsworth’s lay ; And some Sir Walter’s Di, obey ; Some Christabel, of S.T.C. ; And some with Herrick’s Julia play; But Rose is still the name for me. “By Celia’s arbour” some complain ; Some with Olivia “make their hay”; To some not e’en Amelia Jane, Or Ann-Matilda strike dismay ; To some Susanna’s charms convey “The chaste—the inexpressive She” ; Some Hetty, Letty, Tetty sway ; But Rose is still the name for me. . . . —From “The Complete Poetical Works of Austin Dobson.” PLOUGHMAN I turn the lea-green down Gaily now, And paint the meadow brown With my plough. I dream with silvery gull And brazen crow. A thing that is beautiful I may know. Tranquility walks with me And no care. 0, the quiet ecstasy Like a prayer. I find a star-lovely art In a sod. Joy that is timeless! 0 heart That knows God! Nocturne Where ships of purple gently toss On seas of daffodil, Fantastic sailors mingle, And then—the wharf is still. Emily Dickinson.