English poem
To “The Quarterly”
by Marie Corelli (1855–1924)
With THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON
GREETING, old friend! a merry Christmas time To you, who nothing merry ever see;-- Great Murderer of poets in their prime,-- Why have you struck at me?
With vengeful hooks of sharpened critic-steel You tortured giants in the days gone by,-- And now upon your creaking, rusty wheel, You’d break a Butterfly!
Alas! you’re far too cumbrous for such things! Your heavy, clanking axle drags i’ the chase;-- The happy Insect has the use of wings, And keeps its Sunshine-place!
THE PRAYER OF THE SMALL COUNTRY M.P.