The Certain Hour (Dizain des Poëtes)

by James Branch Cabell

  A PRINCESS OF GRUB STREET

  "_Though--or, rather, because--VANDERHOFFEN was a child of the FrenchRevolution, and inherited his social, political and religious--or,rather, anti-religious--views from the French writers of the eighteenthcentury, England was not ready for him and the unshackled individualismfor which he at first contended. Recognizing this fact, he turned toan order of writing begotten of the deepest popular needs and addressedto the best intelligence of the great middle classes of the community._"

  Now emperors bide their times' rebuff I would not be a king--enough Of woe it is to love; The paths of power are steep and rough, And tempests reign above.

  I would not climb the imperial throne; 'Tis built on ice which fortune's sun Thaws in the height of noon. Then farewell, kings, that squeak 'Ha' done!' To time's full-throated tune.

  PAUL VANDERHOFFEN.--_Emma and Caroline_.