An Interview
An Interview
Original Text
R. F. Murray, The Scarlet Gown: Being
Verses by a St. Andrews Man, 2nd edn., intro. by Andrew Lang (Glasgow:
James MacLehose, 1909): 56-57. LE M9837sc Robarts Library
1I met him down upon the pier,
2 His eyes were wild and sad,
3And something in them made me fear
4 That he was going mad.
5So, being of a prudent sort,
6 I stood some distance off,
7And before speaking gave a short
8 Conciliatory cough.
9I then observed, 'What makes you look
10 So singularly glum?'
11No notice of my words he took. --
12 I said, 'Pray, are you dumb?'
13'Oh no!' he said, 'I do not think
14 My power of speech is lost,
15But when one's hopes are black as ink,
16 Why, talking is a frost,
17'You see, I'm in for Math. again,
19Please tell me where I could obtain
20 An inexpensive shroud.'
21I told him where such things are had,
22 Well made, and not too dear;
23And, feeling really very sad,
24 I left him on the pier.
Notes
18] ploughed: given a bad failing grade. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1891
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2001
Rhyme