Remarks by Charles Stuart Calverley

“Nonsense, that won't take you long.”

Dismissive of the difficulty of a set of verses he then completed on the spot · Conversation at Harrow (encouraging a friend with Greek iambics)

“They hunted the bear on the voluptuous parterre, the trim garden and expensive pleasure-ground, where effeminacy was wont to saunter or indolence to loll.”

Impromptu rhythmic paraphrase of a passage from Russell's Modern Europe · Conversation / school recitation (answer on Gothic leaders in Italy)

“I have no doubt of the excellence of the cigars, but I never by any chance smoke a cigar.”

Polite but firm refusal of an order, contrasting with his famous Ode to Tobacco · Letter, 18 December 1880, to Charles R. Steggatt

“At length by certain Proofs 'tis plain that the readers of Macmillan will know all that is to be known about the mistletoe, thanks to your labours, before Christmas.”

Playful opening acknowledging the completeness of a botanical article · Letter to Mrs Lewis

“Bell the publisher will be looking in upon us next week for a day or two, and I dare say he will be able to suggest something.”

Practical offer to keep a manuscript in custody while seeking alternatives · Letter to Mrs Lewis

“It used to be Leslie Stephen, and I know him or did know him well enough at Cambridge.”

Casual reference to a former Cambridge acquaintance · Letter to Mrs Lewis (inquiring about the editor of the Cornhill Magazine)

“Grove says that he and all Editors are in a hideous state of overworkedness in the last and the next few months.”

Quoting the editor's excuse for declining further pieces · Letter to Mrs Lewis

“I thought the Sword was the better of the two and had no doubt as to its acceptance.”

Expressing disappointment that two pieces could not be placed together · Letter to Mrs Lewis (about contributions to Macmillan's Magazine)

“Master, they do tell me that some people think it is a squirrel.”

Wily response when caught with a prohibited college dog that somewhat resembled a squirrel · Conversation at Balliol (reply to Dr. Jenkyns)

“I am sorry I have broken his window, but I happened to make an uncommonly good leg hit, and I wish to have my ball back.”

Cool request for the return of a cricket ball after an accidental smash · Conversation (school remark to a master after breaking a window)

“The labour we delight in physics Payn.”

Pun on the Shakespeare line, offered when Payn lagged during the ascent of Scafell · Conversation / jest on a mountain walk with James Payn

“I never by any chance smoke a cigar.”

Declining an order for cigars, despite his celebrated Ode to Tobacco · Letter, 18 December 1880, to Charles R. Steggatt

“Master, with feelings of devotion, mingled with awe.”

Improvised answer when asked how one should regard the Decalogue, of which he had little knowledge · Conversation at Balliol Collections (reply to Dr. Jenkyns)

Pronunciation

Also Known As

Definition

Detailed Definition

Example

Additional Notes

Related Terms