THE

MUSES OF MAYFAIR

PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND COMPANY

EDINBURGH AND LONDON

H. CHOLMONDELEY PENNELL
AUTHOR OF "PUCK ON PEGASUS," MODERN BABYLON," ETC.

TO FREDERICK LOCKER.

EAR LOCKER! whom I knew unknown, but now
Known wheresoe'er rhyme runs or critics carp,-
None strikes a clearer, more melodious harp
Than thou.

Thine is the spell that charms alike the sage,
Craving repose for wearied brain and eye,
And the fair child lingering her play-hour by
Thy page.

No vulgar lures, no tinsel arts are thine

To gild the common coarseness of the herd-
Still be thyself, unblamed in thought or word,
And shine.

And for the lustre of thy name I hold

Twice dear, old friend, this gleaned and garnered sheaf,
Which thence shall gain one doubly-treasured leaf

Of gold.

H. C. P.