Classic Poem

Recites a Ballade by Way of Retort .

" Anna " ! Insipid and weak as gruel —
" Anna " ! As flat as last night's beer —
Plain as a bed-post and stiff as a newel,
Surely there's nothing of glamour here!
Names by the hundred enchant the ear,
Stirring the heart with melodious claims;
Arrogant, timid, impulsive and dear —
Rose, after all, is the name of names.

Sally gleams like a laughing jewel,
Bella's jovial, Maud's austere;
Rachel's complacent, Lydia's cruel,
Laura is classical, Fanny is queer.
Peggy reminds one of rustic cheer,
Lucy of lilies and lofty aims,
Lola of fancies that shift and veer —
Rose, after all, is the name of names.

Sara's a fire for all men's fuel,
Mary's a comfort for all men's fear,
Helen's the smile that invites the duel,
Chloi's the breath of a yesteryear,
Margaret somehow evokes the tear,
Lilith the thought of a thousand shames;
Clara is cool as a lake and clear —
Rose, after all, is the name of names.

ENVOY

Hannah's for home and the " woman's sphere";
Vivian's all for dances and games;
Julia's imperious, Kate is sincere —
Rose (after all) is the Name of Names!