Lapsus Calami (Apr 1891)/To A. S.

For other versions of this work, see To A. S. (J.K.S).

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Sincere Flattery of R. B.: To A. S.

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related authors: Robert Browning

This Robert Browning parody was first published in The Cambridge Meteor, 13 June 1882. It appears here along with two other Browning parodies: "The Last Ride Together" and "Midsummer." In "A Parodist's Apology" (written after Browning's death) J. K. S. noted his admiration for the poet.

1788279Lapsus Calami — Sincere Flattery of R. B.: To A. S.James Kenneth Stephen

II. Of R. B.

i. To A. S.

Birthdays? yes, in a general way;For the most if not for the best of men:You were born (I suppose) on a certain day:So was I: or perhaps in the night: what then?

Only this: or at least, if more,You must know, not think it, and learn, not speak:There is truth to be found on the unknown shore,And many will find where few will seek.

For many are called and few are chosen,And the few grow many as ages lapse:But when will the many grow few: what dozenIs fused into one by Time's hammer-taps?

A bare brown stone in a babbling brook:—It was wanton to hurl it there, you say:And the moss, which clung in the sheltered nook(Yet the stream runs cooler), is washed away.

That begs the question: many a praterThinks such a suggestion a sound "stop thief!"Which, may I ask, do you think the greater,Sergeant-at-arms or a Robber Chief?

And if it were not so? still you doubt?Ah! yours is a birthday indeed if so.That were something to write a poem about,If one thought a little. I only know.

P.S.

There's a Me Society down at Cambridge,Where my works, cum notis variorum,Are talked about; well, I require the same bridgeThat Euclid took toll at as Asinorum:

And, as they have got through several dittiesI thought were as stiff as a brick-built wall,I've composed the above, and a stiff one it is,A bridge to stop asses at, once for all.

Cambridge Meteor, June, 1882.