Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. V. Browning to Rupert Brooke

Alexander Smith (1830–1867)

Extract from A Life Drama

(Scene VII)

I ’LL show you one who might have been an abbot

In the old time; a large and portly man,

With merry eyes, and crown that shines like glass.

No thin-smiled April he, bedript with tears,

But appled-Autumn, golden-cheeked and tan;

A jest in his mouth feels sweet as crusted wine.

As if all eager for a merry thought,

The pits of laughter dimple in his cheeks.

His speech is flavourous, evermore he talks

In a warm, brown, autumnal sort of style.

A worthy man, Sir! who shall stand at compt

With conscience white, save some few stains of wine.