The Eighth Sin/Ballade of a Change of Abode
BALLADE OF A CHANGE OF ABODE.
(Dedicated to Mr. Wentworth Croke, Manager of the Lyric Opera House, Hammersmith.)
Romance has fled from Leicester SquareTo dwell with simpler-hearted folk.She flies in horror and despairTo seek suburban hearts of oak,Her high-priest now is Wentworth CrokeHer ancient fanes are but a myth.Come then (and bring your pipe to smoke)Where she resides in Hammersmith.
The Empire is the tawdry lairOf juggling Jew and rancid joke,Pink legs, dress-shirted fools astareAnd humour ground beneath the yoke—Come where Romance may still invokeHer own congenial kin and kithCome, apt for joy or sobs that choke,Where she resides in Hammersmith.
For she has found true lovers thereWho shudder lest her spell be broke She caught them in her subtle snareAnd gathered them beneath her cloak.They hissed the villain when he spokeAdored the hero large of lith—What shining eyes when they awokeWhere she resides in Hammersmith!
Envoy.
Princess! Two lines my song declareThis is the marrow and the pith:Romance has fled from Leicester SquareAnd now resides in Hammersmith.