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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A BALLAD OF NAMES by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: SOME LOVE THE LAUREATE'S 'TALL ELAINE'
Last Line: BUT ROSE IS STILL THE NAME FOR ME.'
Subject(s): NAMES;

SOME love the Laureate's 'tall Elaine';
There are, who leaving Maud and May,
With Morris, of Yolande are 'fain'
(And add thereto, perchance, 'le Fay');
Some shepherding with Phillis stray,
And some with Greek Autonoe; --
I care not who shall say me nay;
But Rose is still the name for me.

To Bulwer's Blanche some true remain;
Some Ethel love with Thackeray;
Some turn to Dickens' Nell, again;
Some choose the Ruth of Wordsworth's lay;
And some Sir Walter's Di. obey;
Some Christabel, of S.T.C.;
And some with Herrick's Julia play;
But Rose is still the name for me.

'By Celia's arbour' some complain;
Some with Olivia 'make their hay';
To some not e'en Amelia Jane,
Or Ann-Matilda strike dismay;
To some Susanna's charms convey
'The chaste -- the inexpressive She';
Some Hetty, Letty, Tetty sway; --
But Rose is still the name for me.

ENVOY.

Maids, in all names a maiden may
Allure 'the inexpressive He,' --
This none deny; -- I simply say --
'But Rose is still the name for me.'



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