 | [Strange seems the prejudice wherewith, in] Leaves from the Past |  |
75
[Strange seems the prejudice wherewith]
[_]
The ensuing lines were addressed to me by John Howard Payne, the author of that charming song, “Home, Sweet Home.” I knew Mr. Payne quite intimately in New York; he went with me one day to see Jenny Lind. We were received graciously; but an incident occurred there which I shall never forget, and which did not develop the more favorable part of her character. I will not, however, name it.
Mr. Payne, along with his verses, sent me a witty note, which is worthy of being transcribed here. In it he alludes to the latter portion of the couplet written by my friend Mr. Twiggs,—
“A happy life be thine, lady, thrice happy may it be;And, oh! from every thought of pain mayst thou, loved friend, be free.”
Strange seems the prejudice wherewith
All persecute the name of Smith;
Since, through the fascination
Of one possessor of the name,
Such thrilling titles it can claim
To—more than admiration.
All persecute the name of Smith;
Since, through the fascination
Of one possessor of the name,
Such thrilling titles it can claim
To—more than admiration.
76
And yet, to those unknowing her
Whose spells upon that name confer
Enchantment, far more strange it
Must seem that we should also find
There are so many of a mind
To make the charmer change it.
Whose spells upon that name confer
Enchantment, far more strange it
Must seem that we should also find
There are so many of a mind
To make the charmer change it.
J. P. H.
| [Strange seems the prejudice wherewith, in] Leaves from the Past | |