Inscribed in a Presentation Copy of "Echoes" to the Common-Room
(From the United States College "Chronicle," March 27, 1889.)
"My very noble and approved good masters."
Placetne, Domini?—in far Lahore
I wait your verdict, 'mid the palms and roses,
Much as I did those judgments writ of yore
Upon my "proses."
Blue-pencil X's when constructions queer
Ran riot down the inky, thumb-marked page;
And wondrous words that moved too oft, I fear,
Your righteous rage.
Red-pencil marks when half a dozen rules,
Smashed at one stroke, broke down your patience, too,
And left me, in the silence of the Schools,
With "lines to do."
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