Anni Fvgaces. By R. C. Lehmann. (John Lane. 3s. 6d.)—This
"Book of Verse, with Cambridge Interludes," strengthens our belief that, whatever may be the present supply in this country of really humorous prose, of humorous verse we have an abund- ance, mostly of good, and sometimes even of excellent, quality. There is a serious vein to be found now and then. Some of the most felicitous of these pieces are "In Memoriam." What- ever the theme, we find easy versification, good taste, and humour, never forced, but almost always effective. Many things might well be chosen for quotation. Here are the last lines of "A Retriever's Epitaph." After celebrating the deceased's virtues as a sporting-dog, his staunchness, his retrieving skill, and the softness of his mouth, it goes on :— "Through Spring and Summer, in the sportless days,
Cheerful he lived a life of simpler ways : Chose, since oificial dogs at times unbend, The household cat for confidante and friend ; With children, friendly but untaught to fawn, Romped through the walks and frolicked on the lawn; Rejoiced, if one the frequent ball should throw, To fetch it, scampering gaily to and fro, Content through every change of sportive mood If one dear voice, one only, called him good..
Such VMS my Dog, who now without my aid Runts through the shadow-laud, himself a shads; Or, couched intent before some ghostly gate, Waits for my step, as here he used to wait."
The last two couplets are perfect.
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