Alfred’s Ode.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XII, 20 September 1902, Page 706

Alfred’s Ode.

The Poet Laureate wrote a Coronation ode, which by curious chance found its way into the columns of a New York paper, notwithstanding the postponement of the ceremony. Mr Alfred Austin is now wondering, with Mr Vincent Crummies, who puts

The position of Baron Tadosu Hayashi. Minister Plenipotentiary of the Emperor of Japan at the Court of St. James’ since 1900, has greatly increased in importance since the recent alliance between Great Britain and Japan. The Baron, who was ennobled for his distinguished services at the Japanese Foreign Office during

these things into the papers. And his wonderment is not mitigated by American criticisms on the ode. Says one paper: “What a pity that Alfred Austin’s ode could not have been postponed with the Coronation!” Another responds in this kindly manner: “Why not speak a good word for Alfred Austin? His Coronation ode contains nothing that could bring the faintest blush to the cheek of modesty.” A third observes: “We hope that Edward VII. will recover. Mr Austin’s verses will never get any better.”