University of Virginia Library

“WHAT 'S IN A NAME.”

Once on a time, where jewels flashed
And rose-hid fountains softly plashed,
And all the air was sweet and bright
With music, mirth and deft delight—
A courtly dame drew, smiling, near
A poet, greatest of his time,
And chirped a question in his ear
With voice like silver bells in chime:
“Good Master Shakespeare, I would know
The name thy lady bore, in sooth,
Ere thine? Nay, little while ago
It was, for still we see her youth.
Some high-born name, I trow, and yet
Though I have heard it, I forget.”
Then answered he,
With dignity,
Yet blithely, as the hour was gay:
“Ann Hathaway.”
“And good, sweet sir,” the dame pursued,
Too fair and winsome to be rude—
“'T is hinted here, and whispered there,
By doughty knights and ladies fair,
That—that—well, that her loyal lord
Doth e'en obey her slightest will.
Now, my good spouse, I pledge my word,
Though loving well, doth heed me ill.
Her witchery I pray thee tell,”
She pleaded, with a pretty frown,
“I fain would know what mighty spell
Can bring a haughty husband down.”
Flushing, she raised her eager face
To his, with merry, plaintive grace.
Then answered he,
With dignity,
Yet blithely, as the hour was gay:
“Fair lady, I can only say,
Ann hath a way.”