INTRODUCTION
Reading edition
BY MAURICE HUTTON, LL.D., Principal of University College, Toronto
W. H. E.
There is a Heav’n: at least on earth below: It is where scholars read and thinkers brood: For crowns and halos volumes in a row For angels’ wings it has its gown and hood.
In that seraphic choir see Ellis sit! With that Elys-ian light his numbers glow: The scholar’s seriousness, the scholar’s wit, Twin spirits in alternate ebb and flow.[1]
[viii]
Studious and silent he has read life’s page, Scholar and chemist he sees part and whole; Teaching and thought let loose his noble rage And stir the genial current of his soul.
His golden rod absorbs our meaner staves As Aaron’s rod the rods of Phara-oh, Or as New Brunswick’s river-name outbraves[2] The pious Jordan of Ontario.
His May-blossoms relieve our strenuous May, Our evening smoke curls bluer as we read, The earliest pipe of half-awakened day Draws a new fragrance from his choicer weed.
His artless puff-balls have a tale to tell, His Flora opens treasures new and old, His way-side weeds have been our asphodel[3] His “dandy lines” become our “harmless gold.”[4]
[ix]