The V-a-s-e

James Jeffrey Roche (1847–1908)

FROM the maddening crowd they stand apart,

The maidens four and the Work of Art;

And none might tell from sight alone

In which had culture ripest grown,—

The Gotham Millions fair to see,

The Philadelphia Pedigree,

The Boston Mind of azure hue,

Or the soulful Soul from Kalamazoo,—

For all loved Art in a seemly way,

With an earnest soul and a capital A.

*****

Long they worshipped; but no one broke

The sacred stillness, until up spoke

The Western one from the nameless place,

Who blushingly said: “What a lovely vace!”

Over three faces a sad smile flew,

And they edged away from Kalamazoo.

But Gotham’s haughty soul was stirred

To crush the stranger with one small word

Deftly hiding reproof in praise,

She cries: “’T is, indeed, a lovely vaze!”

But brief her unworthy triumph when

The lofty one from the home of Penn,

With the consciousness of two grand papas,

Exclaims: “It is quite a lovely vahs!”

And glances round with an anxious thrill,

Awaiting the word of Beacon Hill.

But the Boston maid smiles courteouslee,

And gently murmurs: “Oh pardon me!

“I did not catch your remark, because

I was so entranced with that charming vaws!”

Dies erit prægelida

Sinistra quum Bostonia.