Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BALLAD OF THE BORE, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BALLAD OF THE BORE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I see him come from far
Last Line: Defend us from the bard!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin
Subject(s): Bores


'Garrulus hunc quando consumet cunque.' -- HOR. Sat. I. ix. 33.

I SEE him come from far,
And, sick with hopelessness,
Invoke some kindly star, --
I see him come, no less.
Is there no sure recess
Where hunted men may lie?
Ye gods, it is too hard!
I feel his glittering eye, --
Defend us from The Bard!

He knows nor let nor bar:
With ever-nearing stress,
Like Juggernaut his car,
I see him onward press;
He waves a huge MS.;
He puts evasion by,
He stands -- as one on guard,
And reads -- how volubly! --
Defend us from The Bard!

He reads -- of Fates that mar,
Of Woes beyond redress,
Of all the Moons that are,
Of Maids that never bless
(As one, indeed, might guess);
Of Vows, of Hopes too high,
Of Dolours by the yard
That none believe (nor buy), --
Defend us from The Bard!

ENVOY.

PRINCE PHOEBUS, all must die,
Or well- or evil-starred,
Or whole of heart of scarred;
But why in this way -- why?
Defend us from The Bard!





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