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167
TO MR. BUTT.
(On the result of the Ballot at the Royal Irish Academy, 13th November, 1876.)
While the Academy, refusing to submit itself to the control of the Department of Science and Art, even at the peril of losing its annual vote, had laid its case before the House of Commons by Petition, and stood in its extremest need of support from parliamentary and public opinion, Mr. Butt, whose membership ought to have been deemed an honor and advantage at any time, was proposed as a member, and rejected.
From frank repulse. The marriage-suit denied
Turns love to hatred only where 'tis Pride,
Not true Love, woos: Love holds her lovely still,
Let sharp Remembrance bring what stings it will;
And when he sees her children by her side,
For her, for them, for him with them allied,
Blessings and prayers the manly breast will fill.
Lovely she stands, though she has said thee nay,
And sad expectance clothes her brow in gloom,
While guardians tyrannous withhold her dower;
Now show the soul's magnanimous assay,
And when her day in that High Court shall come,
Plead in your old love's cause with double power.
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