p. 36THE ROWFANT BOOKS. BALLADE EN GUISE DE RONDEAU.

p. 36THE ROWFANT BOOKS.
BALLADE EN GUISE DE RONDEAU.

The Rowfant books, how fair they shew,
   The Quarto quaint, the Aldine tall,
Print, autograph, portfolio!
   Back from the outer air they call,
The athletes from the Tennis ball,
   This Rhymer from his rod and hooks,
Would I could sing them one and all,
         The Rowfant books!

The Rowfant books!  In sun and snow
   They’re dear, but most when tempests fall;
The folio towers above the row
   As once, o’er minor prophets,—Saul!
What jolly jest books and what small
   “Dear dumpy Twelves” to fill the nooks.
You do not find on every stall
         The Rowfant books!

The Rowfant books!  These long ago
   Were chained within some College hall;
These manuscripts retain the glow
   Of many a coloured capital
While yet the Satires keep their gall,
   While the Pastissier puzzles cooks,
Theirs is a joy that does not pall,
         The Rowfant books!

ENVOI.

The Rowfant books,—ah magical
   As famed Armida’s “golden looks,”
They hold the rhymer for their thrall,
         The Rowfant books.