Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Austin Dobson 1840–1921

“With Pipe and Flute”

Dobson-A

WITH pipe and flute the rustic Pan

Of old made music sweet for man;

And wonder hushed the warbling bird,

And closer drew the calm-eyed herd,—

The rolling river slowlier ran.

Ah! would,—ah! would, a little span,

Some air of Arcady could fan

This age of ours, too seldom stirred

With pipe and flute!

But now for gold we plot and plan;

And, from Beersheba unto Dan,

Apollo’s self might pass unheard,

Or find the night-jar’s note preferred;—

Not so it fared, when time began,

With pipe and flute!