Los Angeles herald., 1905-06-11

It is rare indeed to find real poetry
these days. Therefore "The First
4 Wardens," a modest little book from
the pen Of William f. Neidis, must
find hearty welcome from lovers CT
good literature. Mr.. Neidig tunes his
songs to lofty strains. To him the philo-
sophical rather than the emotional
phases of life make appeal He is
first of all a scholar who sees beneath
the surface of things. Master Of En-
glish he uses words with a fine art.
His lines have the smoothness and
power that belong only to the students
of form. Having something to say,
lie says It convincingly. Turning the
pages Of his little book. which gives
promise of great attainment, one IS
somewhat reminded of Lowell.
"The First wardens.' from which
the volume takes it's name, is suggested
by the story that the true cavern of
the sepucher of Christ was occupied
during the second or third century by
a company of religion;sts, and that
when Constantine usurped the tomb he
raised his basilica over the rock they
had guarded. The poem is a fine
piece of narrative, but it is not the best
in the collection. Mission Carmel is
in some respects it's superior for it has
the human touch, the deeper color that
necessarily holds interest. THE Prince
of Paupers" is another narrative carry
ing with it its lesson of life. "a Wo-
mans Ring" Is study of jealous,
loving woman who demands reassur-
ance. 1t Is the cry of the wife who
finds that love is but incidental in the
life of a man. One stanza gives the
key:
Yes, you have bent your arrow to the
And shot it straight; you will not be
denied.
Wealth and great name are yours; 1
know, 1 know
The world has laid such unguents to
your pride.
My husband, yes; you strung your hon
ors here,
The fruits Of all the days of all your
life,
And I. not knowing them so costly
dear,
Wore them trustful moment as
your wife. .
Yes, and must wear them Stlll, their |
splendor gone,
While precious love lies sleeping in |
your eyes
with smiles and tears, like dewdrops |
far withdrawn
To heart of the wild rose where |
honey lies.
o, deem me not ungrateful, that my |
heart
part!
Mr.. Neidig's, poems are not light and
airy trifes to be read carelessly. They
will repay study, for they contain
much beautiful symbolism, effective
imagery and deep meaning. "The Kings
Fool" is a Characteristic poem:
Fool It was, and took his Soul
Within his followed hands,;
He took his Soul and smoothed 1t calm'
And loosed its strained bands
30 Soul" he cried "you bear the stain
OF chain gives interwove!
Who did this thing?.' The Soul replied:
'It was the friend love"
80 Soul you have a flaming brand
Burned on your nakedness!
who did this thing?" The Soul replied:
THAT was a pure caress
80 Soul. fissure shows your heart
Like wound of bloody sword! a.,
who did this thing?' The Soul replied;
"That was friendly word.
80 Soul. you shrink within my hand,
7 scarce see where you be! e., l.
who aid this thing?" The Soul replied
"a woman pitied me.
The Fool laid down his Soul and wept'
And knelt him down beside; :,
He soothed and questioned all the
night
No Soul of him replied.
Local interest attaches to the work
of this new poet because he is the son
1of Col. A. H. Neidig of Los An
geles. William J. Neidig is gradu-
ate of Stanford and for four years lie
taught in the university. He now has
a chair of English in Chicago univer-
sity.
1.-THE FIRST wARDENs," by Will
Jam J. Neidig. New York: The Mac
milan company.