POETRY.
LINES TO OUR NEW CENSOR.
[Mr. Oscar Wilde, having discovered that England is unworthy of him, has announced his resolve to become a naturalised. Frenchman.] AND wilt thou, Oscar, from us flee, And must we, henceforth, wholly sever? Shall thy laborious jeux-d'esprit
Sadden our lives no more for ever ?
And all thy future wilt thou link
With that brave land to which thou goest ? Unhappy France ! we used to think She touched, at Sedan, fortune's lowest..
And you're made French as easily As you might change the clothes you're wearing ? Fancy !—and 'tis so hard to be
A man of sense and modest bearing.
May fortitude beneath this blow Fail not the gallant Gallic nation! By past experience, well we know Her genius for recuperation. •
And as for us—to our disgrace, Your stricture's truth must be conceded : Would any but a stupid race Have made the fuss about you we did ?
W. W..
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