Had I survived my well-contented age
And lived to see the bettering of the times,
And witnessed HENRY ARTHUR on the stage,
Or read the latest confidential rhymes;
Small marvel were it that my tragic art
Should lapse among a race of larger build;
Or that the sonnet-echoes of my heart
Should fail before the booming Bodley guild.
Yet have I lovers still, a faithful few;
And here I take occasion for observing
How greatly I have been indebted to
The Cambridge Locals and to Mr. IRVING.
_Post-script._--The Temple SHAKSPEARE for the pocket
Is selling now; I know of none to knock it.