"LETHE" TO THE FRONT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1217, 27 January 1886, Page 3

"LETHE" TO THE FRONT.

(To the Editor.)

Sib, — Mr Neill has thrown such a number of query marks and italicised words at my devoted head thai it is only owing to its awful thickness that I am able to pen this reply. By Mr Neill's direction, I bava consulted "Chambers' Encyclopedia," and I find that Mr Neill has quoted only that which suits his own purpoaej but as I have at hand a higher and a later authority than "Chambers'" on blank verae, I again assert that my former definition is in every ssnso correct. I now give a quotation to prove that blank verse is rhymed as well as unrhymed — Kqow well thyself ; presume not G-od to scan ; The proper study of mankind is man. To prove his positiou, Mr Neill makes a few quotations—" On dashed the train with all her living freight." Sheep, bullocks, or what? Wrong again, Mr N. And jet unother error — lf Though I should shed tea's as falling stars ar<. s7iecl." Yo men and angela listen I The "North Ofcasjo Times" copied "0-one," so Mr N. says. But, Mr Editor, I have been on a wrong track. I have been groping in the dark. Now that I am "clothed and in my right mind" I will criticise "Q-one" intelligently. "Grone" is a poem of the highest order.and well merits attention for its loftiness of thought, its purity of diction, and peculiarity of style. Well might Mr N. be proud of being its author, and ably has he defended the product of his brain — or somebody elao's. Did not the " Nort.h Otago Times" copy it ? and after that he who dares say aught aguiust ' ' Q-one " makes me his enemy. Between you and I, Mr Editor, I want a higher seat, and a* Mr N. has promised to help me to one I am fain to play on the key-note of his self love and inordinate vanity. Sou know my last volley tickled hia bile, or, us Mark Twain would say, " raz-d his ire," bo I am fain to make the amende honourable, and to learn from superior intelligence how With pompous track to swell the frothy line. And now, Mr Editor, a* this is my last, let me whisper into your ear the lessons I have learned from Mr N. : — (]) Never write poetry, as it might bo criticised ; (2) never under-rate your own abilities, for self-conceit has often carried men through trying ordeals where ability has failed. — I am. &c, Lethe.