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Seaman: To Mr Alfred Austin
As yet you are not equal to the task;
A sense of euphony you still must lack;
Nor could you do your duty by the cask
Of yearly sack.
4 Just now, withal (that's twice we've said 'withal')
The place is filled by someone sitting there;
Yet poets pass; he, too, will leave his stall
And go elsewhere.
'Meanwhile, to trust you with a pointed pen,
Dear babe, would manifestly be absurd;
Besides all well-conducted little men
Are seen, not heard.
First, how to tutor your prehensile mind
Shall be the object of our deep concern;
We'll teach you grammar; grammar, you will find,
Takes years to learn,
'Twixt—mark the pretty word—'twixt boy and man
You shall collate from every source that's known
A blended style; which may be better than
One of your own.
' Your classic mould shall be completely mixed
Of Rome's robustness and the grace of Greece;
And you shall be a Tory, planted 'twixt
Plenty and peace.
And lo! we call you Alfred! Kinglihood
Lies in the name of Him, the Good and Great!
You may not rise to greatness; O, be good
At any rate!'
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