The Constancy of Quinces

The Constancy of Quinces (3)

I know I’m not the only one for whom second-hand books hold a fascination. I like the idea of holding something which someone else has used,getting a sense of continuity & of something shared.

What in particular attracts me to books of this ilk is when previous owners/readers have personalised them in some way.

I was looking through this book as I must have done many times before

It may well be 70 years old and the word "modern" in the title may be stretching the truth somewhat, but much of it’s content is as relevant today as it was in 1939 . O.K. perhaps the chapter headed “spraying & dusting” & instructions about post-war use of DDT (1) are best left in the historical dustbin but much of the rest is still current (or should that be currant?)

As I said this book has been used for reference on many occasions but I’d not previously looked inside the front cover (2).  

The lady to whom Desmond addressed this poem had inscribed her name on the facing page

The poetic inscription from Desmond is one of devotion to Kathleen but what struck me was the book in which it had been written. Let’s face it, romantic prose inscribed in what can best be described as a dry if slightly fruity academic tome is a little odd.

Who were Desmond & Kathleen ? Fellow students at Malling, lovers, partners; maybe all three. Was this a parting gift or the start of an enduring romance.

I'll leave you to ponder

Footnotes

1) - inc preparing for the use of DDT in post-war Britain.

2) Constancy

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox


I will be true. Mad stars forsake their courses,
And, led by reckless meteors, turn away
From paths appointed by Eternal Forces;
But my fixed heart shall never go astray
Like those calm worlds whose sun-directed motion
Is undisturbed by strife of wind or sea,
So shall my swerveless and serene devotion
Sweep on for ever, loyal unto thee.


I will be true. The fickle tide, divided
Between two wooing shores, in wild unrest
May to and fro shift always undecided;
Not so the tide of Passion in my breast.
With the grand surge of some resistless river,
That hurries on, past mountain, vale, and sea,
Unto the main, its waters to deliver,
So my full heart keeps all its wealth for thee.


I will be true. Light barques may be belated,
Or turned aside by every breeze at play,
While sturdy ships, well-manned and richly freighted,
With fair sails flying, anchor safe in bay.
Like some firm rock, that, steadfast and unshaken,
Stands all unmoved when ebbing billows flee,
So would my heart stand, faithful if forsaken --
I will be true, though thou art false to me.


3) The quince of choice is Vranja & has been duly ordered.