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Lapsus Calami (Apr 1891)/To R. K.

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For other versions of this work, see To R. K..
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To C. S. C.
Lapsus Calami
by James Kenneth Stephen
To R. K.
A Political Allegory
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A takeoff on Rudyard Kipling, referencing the popular works of H. Rider Haggard. First published in the Cambridge Review, 29 January 1891.
The Browning quotation is from 'Waring'.
1786714Lapsus Calami — To R. K.James Kenneth Stephen
​

To R. K.

As long I dwell on some stupendousAnd tremendous (Heaven defend us!)Monstr'-inform'-ingens-horrendousDemoniaco-seraphicPenman's latest piece of graphic.Browning
Will there never come a seasonWhich shall rid us from the curseOf a prose which knows no reasonAnd an unmelodious verse:When the world shall cease to wonderAt the genius of an Ass,And a boy's eccentric blunderShall not bring success to pass:
When mankind shall be deliveredFrom the clash of magazines,And the inkstand shall be shiveredInto countless smithereens:When there stands a muzzled stripling,Mute, beside a muzzled bore:When the Rudyards cease from kiplingAnd the Haggards Ride no more.
Cambridge Review, Feb. 1891.

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