The Star in the West

The Ibarlot IN N that masterpiece “ Tannhäuser , " without any re quest whatsoever , and without any idiotic introduc tion , the song ofan unknown minstrel breaks unheralded on the astonished ears of the Landgrave's Court : Tender the phrase, and faint the melody , When poets praise a maiden's purity ; Platitude linked to imbecility .1 Murmurs of surprise arise , but it is not till he sings , As 'mongst spring's sprigs sprouts sunshine's constant face ; Or as a mill grinds on , with steady pace ; So sprouts, so grinds , the unblushing commonplace. ? that the murmurs break into an indignant uproar . Insolent scoundrel , rude upstart , abusing our ears with your insults ! Crucify him ! boycott him ! cut him ! The Landgrave's society was shocked by that rude minstrel , and our society is no doubt shocked by the satire of Aleister Crowley . On our book -shelves his works stand literary pickled birches , to administer to our mental ultimatums a corrective dose . A good purgative is an excellent thing taken now and again , it keeps both the bowels free and the mind clear , and Mrs. Grundy is nothing if she be not constipated . “ Thou poisonous bitch , ” says Crowley , when he addresses a Spenserian verse to Mrs. Sally G--d , 1 Tannhäuser , vol i, p. 249. 2 lbid .