14 OCTOBER 1876, Page 18

POETRY.

A RONDEAU.

[ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH OF VINTMREa

You bid me try, Blue Eyes, to write

A rondeau. What !—forthwith ?—to-night?

Reflect. Some skill I have, 'tis true ; But thirteen lines, and rhymed on two !— " I must," you say. Ah, luckless plight !

Still, there are five,—and ranged aright.

These Gallic bonds, I feared, would fright My easy Muse. They did, till you,—

You bid me try !

That makes them nine. The port's in sight ;

'Tis all because your eyes are bright!

Now just one line to end in " ott,"— When maids command, what can't we do !

Behold !—the Rondeau, tasteful, light, You bid me try!

AUSTIN DOBSON.