Lapsus Calami (Aug 1891)/To a Lady

by James Kenneth Stephen

To a Lady.

 

A pipe's a merry madrigal,A stately sonnet a cigar,The homely clay at close of dayA stanza to the evening star,The cigarette a canzonetteBoth amorous and musical.

But as the song requires an air,A madrigal must aptly rhyme,A sonnet shines in measured lines,Each foot must walk in proper time,And music's aid is best displayedWhen duly matched with verses fair:

So sweetest meerschaum needs a case,Cigars are clipped with dainty blade,The seasoned briar will still aspireTo lights in silvern casket laid,The cigarette is duly setIn holder rich with every grace.

And every cigarette consumedIs fragrant homage offered thee;The mellow streak, from week to week,Embrowns thy gift bestowed on me:—So every hour proclaims the powerOf her whose gift the smoke perfumed.