_viz._, _"Art" as recently applied to a certain form of Literature_.
Is this, then, "Art"--ineffable conceit,
Plus worship of the Sadi-tainted phrase,
Of pseud-Hellenic decadence, effete,
Unvirile, of debased Petronian ways?
Is _this_ your "Culture," to asphyxiate
With upas-perfume sons of English race,
With manhood-blighting cant-of-art to prate,
The jargon of an epicene disgrace?
Shall worse than pornographic stain degrade
The name of "Beauty," Heav'n-imparted dower?
Are _they_ fit devotees, who late displayed
The symbol of a vitriol-tinted flower?
And shall the sweet and kindly Muse be shamed
By unsexed "Poetry" that defiles your page?
Has Art a mission that may not be named,
With "scarlet sins" to enervate the age?
All honour to the rare and cleanly prints,
Which have not filled our homes from day to day
With garbage-epigrams and pois'nous hints
How æsthete-hierophants fair Art betray!
If such be "Artists," then may Philistines
Arise, plain sturdy Britons as of yore,
And sweep them off and purge away the signs
That England e'er such noxious offspring bore!
* * * * *
THE CRY OF THE FREE LIBRARY FREQUENTER.--A Cheap Loaf.
* * * * *
"HOW TO CONTROL AND RECTIFY PUBLIC OPINION."
["It is impossible to bribe a French paper."--_Times, April 5,
1895._]
SCENE--_Sanctum of the_ Rédacteur en chef _of "Le Gamin de
Paris."_ Rédacteur _discovered reading latest issue_.
_Rédacteur._ Dear me, this note about the pacific intentions of the
GERMAN EMPEROR is most interesting! I wonder how it got in. I did not
notice it when I glanced through the pages. Still, I have the most
unlimited confidence in my staff. (_Quoting from his paper._) "There
is no doubt that we can safely disarm, as Germany is our friend--the
best of our friends." Dear me! Most interesting!
[_Enter menial, ushering in mysterious stranger._
_Stranger._ I trust I am not intruding?
_Rédacteur._ Certainly not. It is the duty of an editor to be always
at the service of those who seek his advice. No doubt you desire my
opinion upon some matter of importance?
_Stranger._ You have guessed rightly. Which do you prefer, a mansion
in town or a castle in the country?
_Rédacteur_ (_smiling_). Well, I am scarcely qualified to judge, for I
only possess a mansion in town. I have no castle in the country.
_Stranger._ Pardon me. You have one now.
[_Gives_ Editor _title-deeds_.
_Rédacteur_ (_glancing at the documents_). What, the Château de St.
Querecs! One of the finest places in Brittany! You are really too
amiable!
_Stranger._ Not at all. And now tell me, do you prefer WAGNER to
VERDI, or MASCAGNI to MOZART?
_Rédacteur._ Again I am at a disadvantage. You see I go so seldom to
the Opera. The expense is----
_Stranger._ The expense is inconsiderable when you possess a _loge_
on the grand tier. (_Giving paper._) Allow me to present you with a
perpetual box.
_Rédacteur._ Your courtesy is simply charming! But why do you
overwhelm me with these obligations? We are unknown to one another.
_Stranger_ (_with a bow_). Not at all. You are famous. As for me--why
I am nothing. I am absolutely valueless.
_Rédacteur_ (_politely_). You do not do yourself justice. I will be
bound you are most valuable.
_Stranger._ Well, perhaps you are right. At any rate I can fill in a
cheque--yes, and with four or five figures! I will show you. Permit
me.
[_Approaches writing materials, and rapidly completes draft._
_Rédacteur._ And for whom is that cheque?
_Stranger._ Read the name to whose order it is made payable.
_Rédacteur_ (_surprised but admiring_). Mine! This is simply
marvellous. And are you clever enough to write a leader?
_Stranger._ Assuredly. See I will compose one at once. (_Sits at
table, knocks off an article and hands it to_ Rédacteur). What do you
think of it?
_Rédacteur_ (_smiling_). I will give you my opinion when I see it in
type. You will find it in the _Gamin_ to-morrow. Good day!
[_Scene closes in upon a tableau suggesting at once delicacy
and the right understanding of commercial principles._
* * * * *
HER LATEST.--"The silence was so great," said Mrs. R., "you could have
picked up a pin!"
* * * * *