AFTERWORD

If aught indelicate has jarred the sense,
If aught of sophistry has brought a frown,
Perhaps a counter charge might be set down
And leave the reader with a sad defence.
If aught of flighty verse or tale intense
Has led you on, this final page to crown
With comment critical, some slight renown
Accrues to me though that same evidence,
For were you not, yourself, on pleasure bent,
You surely had not read as far as here.
I pray you judge me by my good intent
To bring a smile or chase away a tear,
And if my methods must for pardon sue,
I first must bid you take my Point of View.

(From The Point of View, 1905)