Teapots and Quails. By Edward Lear. (John Murray. 12s. 6d.)
Teapots and Quails. By Edward Lear. (John Murray. 12s. 6d.) Tins small collection of hitherto unknown poems and drawings is notable to lovers of nonsense because it introduces us to what amounts to a new art-form. Edward Lear had, as we all know, an extraordinary command of metre, often composing in elaborate Persian forms such as "The Pearl." Here, what is new is not elaborate, indeed it has the simplicity of genius, but it is rich and, for the nursery, has the inestim- able advantage of being easily imitated. Here is the verse form: "Houses and Kings, Whiskers and Swings, Set him a-stinging And.see how he stings!" The small drawings show Mediterranean houses, inconclusive monarchs, hirsute gentlemen, and two small figures on swings with ropes of inordinate length. "He" is a hornet.
Some children, of whom the youngest was
only three, perceived with delight that what you have to do is to find a verb (something that someone, or something, does) such as "scream," "hop," "stare," or "jig." Then you amass a collection of objects the last of which must rhyme. The nurseryful was soon well away. But though the small plagiarists were ennanted with their own efforts, their elders admitted with a sigh that the whole family fell short, not only in draughtsmanship, but in providing the refreshment of .Lear's perfect incongruity. "Sofas and Bees, Camels and Keys, Set him a-sneezing and see how he'll sneeze."
Suitable verbs unexploited by Lear in- clude jog, cough, cook, catch and (for the nautical) list.
The new limericks are splendid with "Twickenham" to 'rhyme with "Quicken 'em." " The Scroobious Pip" is a long poem worthy of the author of "The Pelican Chorus." "The Fork Tree" stands worthily besides "Many Peopleia-upsidedovinia." We are grateful. But even more nutritious is this new and glorious art-form.
A.W.-E.
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