618 Pall-Mali Poetry. JUNE, 



Now few of these but bowed as STELLA passed ; 



The critic smiled, and made some flattering speech, 

 Full well repaid him by the glance she cast 



Of proud acknowledgment. The authors each 

 Commenced a something pretty, from their last 



Production ; yet, ere well the words could reach 

 Her ear, and charm it with the happy thought, 

 The Lady Racket cut the matter short. 



This lady had a son a peevish boy 



I've heard, in childhood always spoilt and crying, 



But still his mother's pride and greatest joy ; 

 Her eyes above (the nurse on this relying, 



Smuggled the chin in) did most folks decoy, 

 To praise a likeness to their guess replying ; 



Though some, who spoke at hazard, differing rather, 



Declared he was the image of his father. 



At school he passed for an extremely quick 



And clever lad. At college he became 

 Its pride and boast. He shone at single-stick, 



And with the best at billiards had a name ; 

 And if at Euclid he might chance to kick, 



His tact in horse-flesh might a jockey shame; 

 Added to which, he learned to pun at random, 

 Make up a book, set-to, and tool a tandem. 



In youth a man ; as man, at twenty-three, 



He formed opinions far beyond his years, 

 Discoursed most wisely, took a good degree, 



And quizzed his reverend tutors for their fears : 

 His boots were Hoby, and his coat Nugee ; 



His voice the kind which, heard, at once endears. 

 With these slight gifts, and divers sorts of knowledge 

 They pick up best there, he retired from college. 



How STEL. became acquainted with the youth 

 Cannot much signify ; they were acquainted : 



Let that suffice it is the simple truth, 



And looks, as such, less sorrowful than sainted. 



Her maid (to suit my rhyme) was christened RUTH 

 As nice a girl as ever poet painted, 



So I've been told ; and she it was auricular 



Confessed to my informant this particular. 



Indeed, 'twas strongly hinted, his attentions 



Went far beyond a 'lazy bow or bend ; 

 But these are frequently the world's inventions, 



And we should doubt unless a female friend, 

 Or dowager with single daughters, mentions 



That so it is, I wait to see the end. 

 The former may be right the last, from long 

 Observance of such matters, cant be wrong. 



I cannot say perhaps from little caring 



Nor guess being inexperienced in affairs 

 Of this description the peculiar bearing 



Of lovers for each other. He who cares 

 May try the question. I am not for daring 



A father's frown, or fair one's teasing airs ; 

 Or brother, in the absence of papa, 

 Begging to know what your intentions are. 



