1933-01-04 — Page 5

ENGLISH LIGHT VERSE

ADDRESS TO ENGLISH

ASSOCIATION

"English Light Verse" was the subject taken by Mr. H. C. Mac- Hamara, for his address to the English Association yesterday afternon. Mr. Macnamara did not touch on technicalities of metro and rhyme, but gave an entertaining discourse on the great writers of light varse.

In the courso of his addresD, Mr. Macnamara said:-The first question that presents itself in opening a discussion on "Light Veras" is, "What is light verso?" Le it to be contrasted with heavy verse? Certainly not! Недчу verse la moroly bad vorne. The most sublime poetry, "Paradise Lost" for example, is not heavy. The only thing that can make it neem so is to hear it badly rend.

As in the case of many other inquiries, the appropriate answer to the question can best be given by a comparison. Think for exam- pio of somo Hines of the finest poetry you know and contrast them with the following short poom, the title of which is "On 'n

distant prospect of an absconding

bookmaker,"

my

"Alas! What boots it that

noble atced, "Choson so carefully, the

field outran,

"I did not reckon, bookle, on

your speed, "Tha propor study of man-

kind is man.

form.

The distinction I wish to eni- phasize ia apparant. Tho object of great verso in that it should be beautiful; the main object of light vorao is that it should amuse 119. At the same time, it is not all verso that amuses us that is light verae in the sense intended in this paper. Verse may be quite amualog, to some people at All events, and still have no Hterary merits at all. Light verse in the senso I am trying to in- dicate should have some beauty of Historical Survey. What I propose to do this oven- ing is not to try to analyse or at- tempt to propound theories about light verse but simply to make a rough historical survey of Eng- lish light vorne beginning in the 17th Century and continuing down to the present time. The dificulty in dealing with this sub- ject is that we have too many writers of really good light verse and it la Impossible to give mare than a mere outline of their work in the time available.

The first post I shall deal with is Samuel Butler who flourished in the reign of Charles II. His great poem "Hudilras" was a satire on the Puritan and Military party. To read it without full noten ronder much of it incompre hepelble and to read it with full severe labour. Still I notos is do know people who have the highest regard for it.

Perhaps the richest and most varied collection of English light verse is to be found in a book once well known but now, unfor- tunately, practically unknown,!

桌

,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPII. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1933,

Tobacco, Calverley was one of CANADA'S PROBLEMS.

YEAR-END REVIEW BY C.P.R.

CHAIRMAN

WAR CLOUDS IN NORTH

to be

ANTI-FOREIGNISM

IN PERSIA.

EUROPEAN WOMEN · AND RECEPTIONS BANNED ·

-London; Jan. 8.

the few men who have been mem- bars of both the. Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. This re- minds me that another writer of light vores, Lowls, Carroll, was an Oxford mathematical tutor. His

The following Now Year message SHANHAIKWAN CRISIS verses are too well known for ma

has been rant out by Mr. E. W, to take up your time by reciting Beatty, the Chairman and President

Peiping, Jan, B. them. Lewis Carroll had a won- of the Canadian Pacific Railway

Anxiety is still growing as de-

A decroo forbidding State derful knack of making up port. (Montreal) to his staff in different velopments at Shanhaikuan lend officials and army officers of high manteau words such as "brillig." parts of the world, as is his annual

custom:

aggravated. So far the rank to associate with European "Irabjecus," "slithey" and many others which are the despair of conditions anticipated at the end of livered the ultimatum

"The Improvement in Canadian Japanese have not, however, de- women or to attend recoptions to Gen. given by foreignors, has been leas gifted persons. In the case ly added a new word to the Eng-prosent year the hopes of Canadians of the word "chortle," he definite- more than one occasion during the ported by the Japanese sources

1931 had not taken place though on Chang Hauch-liang ns was re-issued by the Shah of Farela, following tho Anglo-Parstan oli lish language,

An official spokesman of the dispute and the dismissal of Toy were raised by favoŭrablo indications | This art of creating curious

that turned out to be only, lemporary Japanese Legation at 10 am. de-Murtash, the Persian Minister of in charactor.

clared that no ultimatum bad yet | Court. words he had in common with the

We have therefore been forced to beon delivered to Gon. Chang next author I intend to discuss, additional curtailments in our opera- Hauch-liang. regarding the Shan- Another indication of the grow. Edward Lear. Lear was a very tions and to added personal sacrifices. haikuan affair. It is learned from traders generally is shown by ing, feeling. against foreign popular children's poet some years While not minimizing the serious- an authoritative source that dur- ago and I hope, is still ao. Chil-now of the general situation wo may lng the night two letters were de- complaints made by Persian mer- dren will always enjoy making all retain our courage and our con- sivered to General Chang, one in chants that Soviet firms Aro acquaintance with the Jumblies donco in ourselves and in Canada. the "quangle-wangle" and "Aunt own because they relate to Canadian and Naval Attaches and the other treaty.

Problems which are particularly our the name of the Japanese Military abusing the recent commercial Joblaca." He also popularised conditions are receiving serious at in the name of the Japanese Com- the limerick,

tention by our publid men and leaders mander of troops In North China.mediate appointment of a Com-

The merchants demand the im in finance industry, and agriculture Both of the communications state mission to and the worlds best minds are that Gen. Chang must assume res economie and international problems ponalbility for the Shanhalkman grappling with tho complicated which presently exist,

Incident:

The great name of Gilbert raises an interesting thought. To what extent, if at all, is the writer of light verae aided by his verses being set to musle? In the case of Gilbert, I think he would have been a great and much-admired writer of light verso, if no single line of his bad ever been set to music. On the other hand, it is certain that his collaboration with his reputation. Sullivan did enormously enhance

Gilbert besides being a writer of light verses. was a very real satirist.

One of Gilbert's light operas deserves special mention; "Prin- cess Ida." In the other operas, the parts that are not sung are in prose. In "Princess Ida" they are in blank verse. It is the only in- stance can recollect of "light" blank verse.

The result of these efforts must evon slowly indicate itself during the coming months.“

I am satisfied that our officers and employees will not only meet these toned, courage and ability but will unusual conditions with their secun make their own not inconsiderable contribution to the solution of our problems.

Further developments in con- nexion with the Japanese attitude and threats are being awaited here with great interest and an- xiety.-Reuter.

Japanese Reinforced.

Pelping. Jan..3.

..

examine into the They allege that the prices of ucation and roviso the treaty.

Boviot Imports are continually terms-Our Own Correspondent.

'ncreasing beyond the stipulated

corned with the news. Some quar-) ters are most apprehensive over the preservation of peaco along the Mukden-Peking Railway be- cause of the British Interest on

We have the certain assurance that has taken a turn for the worse..this line and possibility of it The situation at Shanhaikuan even a moderate Improvement in the Yesterday morning all was quiet being involved through the Sino- general eltuation will reflect itself with the cessation of firing. With panya varied activities. Immediately throughout the Com

I wish you all the best of health with which to meet the personal and official problems of 1933"

PASSAGE CUTS.

Glibert, I think, is the greatest name that can be mentioned in REDUCTIONS ON STEAMERS connexion with English light;

TO AUSTRALIA Vorac.

Living Authors.

to

ments, the situation suddenly boPeking and Tientsin. the arrival of Japanese reinforce Japanese clashes which are now

nearer being shifted much came tense again and fighting was resumed. At present several hun- When Tientain received nows dred Japanese troops are taking of the fall of Shanhalkunn the positions between Shanhaikuan and Government enforced martial law Chinwangtao.

and in addition, armed gendarmes With regard to the outbreak on, were sent out this evening to pre- sion is that at 9 o'clock that night, Chinese residents January 1, the Chinese official ver- serve orders, because hundreds of evacuated the a number of plainclothesmen were Chinese settlement for the foreign observed to be attempting to scale settlements fearing a resumption of London, Jan. 3. the Shanhalkuan city walls and at the anti-Japanese disturbances and Saloon and cabin class steam-"the same time gunshots being clashes between the Chinese and I now propose to consider liv-ship fares to Australia and New directed towards the city. Rifle Japanese hooligana. ing authors. I will mention at Zealand been reduced as from to Oring also started from Nankuan, once the names of five living ex- day. The reductions vary accord- nonents of the art of writing light, ing to the class and grade of ac- verse. They are Mesars, Chester- commodation and they amount in ton, Belloc, Graham, Herbert and some cases to as much as £26 on Wyndham Lewis. Some may con- a single farc. sider that the most perfect light verse la produced by Harry Graham. There is an exquisite neatness about his lines that few other writers equal.

can be found tu

Mr. Belloc 18 another example of the truth exompiled by Gilbert that the writing of light verse does not prevent composition on more serious themes. Mr. A. P. Herbert is a popular writer of Tight verse and I mention him here because he la popular and because, he is trying, I think, and sometimes with success, to follow in the steps of the great Gilbert.

A very charming writer of light and serious verao is Mr. G. K. Chesterton. Of his serious verso it a fair to say that it stands

high in English poetry. Unfor tunately I have been unable to find a suitable example of his light verse to present to you to-night. I may xay that the ballad is a form of verse in which he has shown both skill and humour.

The new minimum first class rate by mail steamer works out at about 11⁄2d per mile. It is anti- cipated that the reductions will serve to stimulate travel between Britain and the Dominions.-Bri- tiah Wireless.

Because of the Shanhaikuan de- the suburb of Shanhaikuan where velopment Japanese officers at Chin- the Japanese reside. An exchange wangtao this afternoon ordered the of fire between the attackers and jovacuation from Chinwungtao of Go the defenders of the city also fot-Japanese women and children for lowed. Reuter.

the Japanese gunboats.

Reinforcements

The 625th Chinese rogiment stationed at Chlawangtao with- Tientsin, Jan. 8. Arow for Shanhaikuan this 'after- Eight Japanese armoured traina noon and during their evacuation and several troop trains took up the Chinese troops were fired on an attack on Shanhaikuan on Mon-by the Japanese cruisers. Many day afternoon and the walled city | ^^aualties are reported, but fur- suffered heavy damage from shell ther details concerning this fight fire and nie bombing.

it Chinwangtao are not avollable The main are was concentrated at present.-Router. on the Chinesv headquarters. The attackers were mataly of the 8th. Jananese Division, which cap- tured Chinchow last Spring.

Eight Japanese warships have arrived from Chinwangtao.-Res tere Special

I have given you an all too brief, account of some of the writers of light verse I most admire. There are others known to you all. Some I have no doubt, misacd. Others do not attract me so much those I have mentioned. For example, A. A. Milne is a writer with a wide appeal. I must con- fess that to me his verses have

Japanese Warships Move. always seemed somewhat insipid and if a child had the misfortune

Peking, Jan. 3. the fact should be kept in the at Tsingtao left this morning for to be called Christopher Robin,

The Japanese second aquadron family circle rather than be reck, Shanhaikuan.-Reuter. lessly broadenst.

A

Ju conclusion I will quote you a few lines whose patriotic senti- ment will be fitting conclusion to my efforts to amuse you:

The Germans live in Germany, The Romans live in Rome, The Turkey live in Turkey.

But the English live at Home.

The Discussion,

City Falls

Chinese Reaction

Shanghai, Jan, 8. Tho Chinese newspapers aro animadverting on the disastrous 1932 and declare that the outlook for 1938 is most despresalng.

The Sin Wan Pao declares that China is in a precarious position and unless she fights desperately for be ruined. It deplores the unpre her existence the country will soon

paredness of the authorities and the people when war seems inevitable. -Reuter's Special.

Tientsin, Jan. 8.

Mr. Soong Caustic. Japanese troops and aeroplanes which attacked Shanhaikuan since

Shanghai, Jan. 3. I do not know whether Wynd It is called "Rejected Addressca." ham Lewis has published in book

this morning with the assistance The Finance Minister, Mr. T. V. of their cruisers from Chinwang-Seong, in a preas interview to-day The authors were James and form the verses he used to write

tao occupied Shanhaikuan and its stated: "The two live bombs dia- Horace Smith who wrote it in in the Daily Mail. Some years

surrounding countries at 2 p.m. covered in the Japanese gendar- 1812. An advertisement had been ago, Mr. Kipling expressed an

The Japanese infantry began ita merio at Shanhaikuan, which is put in the London papers shortly admiration for no less a person In the subsequent discussion, asuults on the Chinese troops this the protext for the latest Japan- before the book was written ask-¦ than Jano Austin, in one of his Prof. Simpson commented on the morning, attacking from the sou- ese drive may go down in history ing for addressca to be sent in hooks and wrote a poem about her fact that most of the writers of thern suburbs. The Chinese soldiers longside the mythical explosion for an open competition in which Mr. Wyndham Lewis thought it great poetry were also writers of offered little resistance. The bat on the South Manchuria railway the winning address was to be would be a good thing to write leht verse.

1

Ho quoted the fol- the lasted four hours which even- read at the opening of the new something nice about Mr. Kipling lowing few lines written on the tually decided the fate of Shanhai-

on September 18, 1981. Drury Lane Theatro. The au- and here are the first two verses death of Queen Victoria, to ex-kuan, The Japanese soldiers first motives for the drive. Jchol is "It is not dificult to diving the thoru seized on the iden of writ-' of his poem. It is called "Jane's emplify the pitfalls of rhyme: Jentored Shanhaikuan from the Sou- the gateway to North China and Dust to dust, and ashes.to ashes, thern Gate. The greatest con- Mongolia has long been coveted Into the grave the great Queen fusion occurred in the city.

dashes.

by the Japanese militarista, but The victorious Japanese soldiers as an attack on that mountainous Father Byrne quoted a French made a hot pursuit of the defeated rovince in mid-winter is a dim.

which philosopher whose theorv it was į Chinese troops

retreated that with the absence of sympathy from Shanhaikuan heading for cult problem it is hoped that pres verse became Shih Ho River. The Japanese sol rough Shanhaikuan, might re and the emotions,

on Tientsin and Pelping, light.

diors ceased the hot pursuit only aftor sunset according to the latest sult in its surrender without seri- messagen from Shanhaikuan.

ous fighting. Thus, at the begin-

Rudyard went to Paradise,

That was only fair.

ing parodies on the best known, Vlaitor." suthors and publishing them as being the addresses that had been sent in aud rejected. The book 'contains excellent parodica of, amongst others, Lord Byron, Wil- Ham. Cobbett, Thomas Moore, Robert Southey, Sir Walter Scott, Dr. Johnson, Coleridge and Crabbe.

A Great Parodist.

The next writer of light verso I would mention is Calverley, a very great scholar and parodist. His hoot known poem in the Ode to

A Sergeant Major mat him Arat

And led him up the stair. Six and twenty Generals

Ribbons red na blood,

Stood thora champing at the top

To welcome Rud.

Up came the Three soldiers

At a martial ruin,

Drilled the Host of Heavena, Hasilly roaring "Shun" Smartly the Archangles,

Serang to the salute

On the motion of the chairman, Mr. Macnamara wna accorded a vote of thanks.

•

The next discussion will take pince on February 2, when Mr. R. Watlo Um tin spurs clanked for joy T. Barrett will speak on "English

and the Presa,"

On Rud's boot.

Aure

The Nanking Foreign Ministry ning of 1933 na at the beginning was shocked this afternoon with of 1982, the shadow of Japanese the receipt of now concerning militarism casts a gloom over a the fall of Shanhalkuan. Peking warld desperately in need of dipiorentie eireles are greatly con- peace."-Reuter's Special..

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FUNNY HOW A FELLA THINKS OF THINGS WHEN, ITS

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