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Seaman: To Mr Alfred Austin
Eight happy summers passed and Southey too,
And one that had the pull in point of age
Walked in; for Alfred still was struggling through
The grammar-stage.
When William followed out in Robert's wake,
An alien Alfred filled the vacant spot,
Possibly by some clerical mistake,
Possibly not.
Our friend had then achieved but lifteen years,
Nor yet against him was there aught to quote;
For he had uttered in the nation's ears
Not half a note.
Adult, no more he dreamed the laurel-wreath,
But wandered, being credentialled to the Bar,
There where the Northern Circuit wheels beneath
The polar star.
One day,-asleep in Court, Apollo's crown
All in a briefless moment his he saw;
Then cast his interloping wig adown
And dropped the Law.
Henceforth with loyal pen he laboured for
His England (situated on the main);
Wrote in the tragic, or satiric, or
Some other vein.
At forty-one he let his feelings go:—
4 If he, that other Alfred, ever die,
And I am not appointed, I will know
The reason why!'
T 289 c.v.