SEA SPRAY &f SMOKE DRIFT 



Calm and clear ! the sea-breezes are laden 



With a fragrance, a freshness, a power, 

 With a song like the song of a maiden, 



With a scent like the scent of a flower ; 

 And a whisper, half weird, half prophetic, 



Comes home with the sigh of the surf ; — 

 But I pause, for your fancies poetic 



Never rise from the level of *' Turf." 



Fellow-bungler of mine, fellow-sinner, 



In public performances past. 

 In trials whence touts take their winner, 



In rumours that circulate fast. 

 In strains from Prunella or Priam, 



Staying stayers, or goers that go, 

 You're much better posted than I am, 



'Tis little I care, less I know. 



Alas ! neither poet nor prophet 



Am I, though a jingler of rhymes — 



'Tis a hobby of mine, and I'm off it 

 At times, and I'm on it at times ; 



And whether I'm off it or on it. 



Your readers my counsels will shun, 



140 



