Katharine Tynan was born at Dublin in 1861, and educated at the Convent of St. Catherine at Drogheda. She married Henry Hinkson, a lawyer and author, in 1893. Her poetry is largely actuated by religious themes, and much of her verse is devotional and yet distinctive. In _New Poems_ (1911) she is at her best; graceful, meditative and with occasional notes of deep pathos.
All in the April morning, April airs were abroad; The sheep with their little lambs Pass'd me by on the road.
The sheep with their little lambs Pass'd me by on the road; All in an April evening I thought on the Lamb of God.
The lambs were weary, and crying With a weak human cry; I thought on the Lamb of God Going meekly to die.
Up in the blue, blue mountains Dewy pastures are sweet: Rest for the little bodies, Rest for the little feet.
Rest for the Lamb of God Up on the hill-top green; Only a cross of shame Two stark crosses between.
All in the April evening, April airs were abroad; I saw the sheep with their lambs, And thought on the Lamb of God.
The door of Heaven is on the latch To-night, and many a one is fain To go home for one's night's watch With his love again.
Oh, where the father and mother sit There's a drift of dead leaves at the door Like pitter-patter of little feet That come no more.
Their thoughts are in the night and cold, Their tears are heavier than the clay, But who is this at the threshold So young and gay?
They are come from the land o' the young, They have forgotten how to weep; Words of comfort on the tongue, And a kiss to keep.
They sit down and they stay awhile, Kisses and comfort none shall lack; At morn they steal forth with a smile And a long look back.
One of the most delightful of English versifiers, Owen Seaman, was born in 1861. After receiving a classical education, he became Professor of Literature and began to write for Punch in 1894. In 1906 he was made editor of that internationally famous weekly, remaining in that capacity ever since. He was knighted in 1914. As a writer of light verse and as a parodist, his agile work has delighted a generation of admirers. Some of his most adroit lines may be found in his _In Cap and Bells_ (1902) and _The Battle of the Bays_ (1892).
(_Who Contends that Christmas is Played Out_)