Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-07-30
GRACEFUL LYRICS
ed Poems Of Robert Under
wood johnson.

ed Poems OF Robert Under
wood johnson.
1t has become quite the customary
thing for continental critics, and, in
deed. for many IN our own land, to sneer
at American poetry OF to-day. as being
of generally contemplate quality. and
only useful to serve as filters for the
magazines, says the Brooklyn Eagle.
Admitting that we have no great sing
ers. and only a few that may be called
near-great. personally we are indisposed
to range ourselves with those critical
carpers who hold the Idea that verse
should have "A supreme value or there Is
no reason for It's being published. In
doubtedlO' vast amount of rhymed rub
Dish finds its way into print yearly, but
the average quality of magazine poetry
we submit Is high. and inspired by hon
est artistic purpose, and that II Is unjust
to crushingy arraign all who essay
the varying verse. the full resounding
line" because so much OF It Is unworthy
OF enduring laurels.
Robert Underwood johnson. for 2
years associate editor of the Century
Ma gazine, has been steady but not
voluminous, writer OF verse for the best
periodicals. notable for It's graceful AMI
refined quality. and characterized by
great variety OF theme. His complete
poems. containing all those which APP
peared in two previous volumes have
been published through the De NInne
Press by the Century Magazine to cele-
brate Mr.. Johnson's IS years service with
that concern.
We confess to no great liking for pa
triotic odes. except In the case of few
of the very greatest poets. The inspira-
ton too frequently sounds forced, and
the Wheeling of the blower of the
organ Is often heard above and through
the music. MIR. johnson treats of public
affairs and events in The Voice OF Web
ster." Hands Across the Sea-" the lat
| ter q considera ton OF our relation with
| England. and there IS ballad Of
| Dewey at Manila" TO DrGfus vindt-
Gated" THE Cars Opportunity" etc
good specimens Of their kind. but in no
instance showing his highest qualities
as a poet.
Mr. Johnson's verse "On a Candidate
Accused OF Youth" and addressed to
| Theodore Roosevelt in 1856 is OF curious
interest to-day. even II It has no poetic
value. We may quote verse to show
| Its character:
| Too young do they call him? Who say
It? Not they
Who have felt his hard stroke in the
civic ARRAY,
When elders. whom veteran fighters had
taught
Till they knew all the rule by which
battles are fought
! Fumbled weakly with weapons, MS fore
sight had sought.
II u.s. however as a writer Of lyrics,
| full Of grace and delicate art. that MI.
johnson deserves the highest praise.
, Quite e. number are OF admirable quality.
sounding fresh note. running tripping
" from the tongue. instinct with life.
and showing fine appreciation OF word
| color. There is a pensive beauty In the
dainty lyric. Love In Italy that is al
together charming;
| They halted at the terrace wall;
Below. the lowered city lay;
The valley IN the moonlights thral
Was silent IN a swoom OF Mag.
As hand to hand spoke one soft word
Beneath the friendly lex tree.
| They knew not. of the flame that stirred,
What part was Love, what Italy.
| They knew what makes the moon more
| bright.
Where Beatrice and Juliet are
The sweeter perfume OF the night,
| The iovelier starlight of the star
And more that glowing hour did prove.
| Beneath the sheltering Hex tree
That Italy transfgures Love,
And Love transngurcs Italy.
II would be a dull soul to whom ms
graceful little vigncttc In verse ana not
appeal II summons up at once the
brood,ng beauty OF the Eternal CITY and
the lovers alone In the night OF stars
and dreams The artless tenderness
which marks this unpretentious poem al
something rare and fine. is noticeable III
Mr.. Johnsons mcrrier lyrics. In Before
the blossom the senses are 0uickened'
and stirred by the Joyous spirit OF the
season. the persuasive influence OF scent
and song. We present two verses:
In the tassel- time OF spring
Loves the onW song to sing
Ere the ranks OF solid shade
Hide the bluebirds n'tting "'hs'
While In open forest glade
No mysterious sound or thing
Haunt Of green has found or made
Loves the only SONG to sing
Though In May each bush be dressed
| Like a bird, and every nest
Learn Loves joyous repetend,
Yet the haif-told tale is best
| At the budding-with Its enc