POETRY.
OLD STYLE.
( Autobiographical and qualifications ballade requesting that books and brochures may be sent to the author for criticism and review.
Addressed to all editors.)
IN grace to Francois Villon, queerly named,
Who bore my badge, the palmer's cockle-shell, A thieving coquillard who has me shamed, Yet raised in self-esteem, for he sang well ; And that I may preserve my soul from Hell And by right deeds my bank account renew Give heed, I pray, unto my ballade-bell And send me books and brochures to review.
Eight years I've worked in Germany and France. I speak three tongues ; was vagabond from birth. I've lived in thirty towns, I've had my dance. My plangent lyre's a bridge from Heaven to Earth. And I am just (though swiftly moved to mirth) And give each foe fair play, friends a clean due. No neck I'll strangle if the page show worth. So send me books and brochures to review.
I've studied, too—in 'varsities of note, Bonn, Birmingham, the World (a shrewd pig-sty). r ve peered in many a poet's linnet-throat, Poured water down it when the song seemed dry. Fame's beak I've pulled, his legs, too ; on the sly His eagle tail ; poked him in plume and thew. Be gracious, therefore, and appease my cry, And send me books and brochures to review.
Envoi.
Vision and knowledge, wit and skill have I ;
And though my mouth gets bitter, 'tis your due.
So aid me, prithee, to prop up the sky ; And send me books and brochures to review. .
HERBERT E. PALMER.
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