The Enthusiasts

Some lines in this poem cannot be read from the Trove record.

(A Ballad of Henley Days)

George called for Jess on Henley's morn—
The sun smiled on a golden day—
A day for youth and beauty born;
The avenues with trees were gay,
And all the world seemed made for joy
As Jess came out to meet her "boy."

George said, "Oh, well, the sky seems
    clear."
And Jean replied, "Not bad, old dear."

George wore a pair of snowy whites,
Correctly creased and quite in form.
The noblest of modern knights
(This was still before the day was
    warm).
His silk shirt was quite "all there";
His tie had just the proper flair.

George said, "How do you like my
    bags"
And Jean replied, "Oh, decent rags".

She wore a frock of pink georgette—
A fairy thing, a flimy dream.
Her hat was quite the cutest yet—
Something in white. Or was it
    cream?
But, anyhow, she looked that day
A queen to steal men's hearts away.

Jean said, "And do I look all right?"
And, languidly, George answered,
    "Quite."

They strolled beside the river's brim
Amid a scene from fairyland,
Where house-boats gaily decked and trim 
waved gaudy banners to the land
while sailing by in silver craft
flay youths and maidens sang and laughed.

Jess said ???? ???? had ???? ????
George answered ???? ????

The laugher grew the fun went on
the shouts and clamor waxed opare
George sucked a fag and gassed upon
The striving crews that rowed a race.
While Jess, appearing rather bored,
Smiled wanly while the people roared.

George said, "Quite strenuous, that
    stuff."
And Jean replied, "Yes; awful rough."

Some time they strolled upon the
    bank;
Some time they floated on the
    stream.
They saw the gay youths strut and
    swank;
They heard the maidens laugh and
    scream.
For all the world seemed out for fun,
And pleasure went with everyone.

George said, "They seem to like it.
    What?"
And Jean replied, "Old thing, why
    not?"

That night they watched the fireworks
    play
Against a dark and velvet sky;
They marked the people shout and
    sway.
When soaring rockets shot on high,
And molten fire and golden rain,
Lit all the merry scene again.

George said, "Why is it done, I beg?"
And Jess replied, "Can't say, old egg."

George saw Jean home on Henley
    night.
(His pants still had their perfect
    crease).
It was a time when lovers alight
Their truth a time of perfect peace.
The moon was low, the hour was late,
He took her hand beside the gate.

George said, "A topping time, old
    dear"
And Jess replied, "Let's go next year."