Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1899 — Tennyson's Humor. [ARTICLE]

Tennyson's Humor.

There was a playful humor in Lord Tennyson that rarely showed itself unless the poet was within the familiar circle of his friends. John Blackwood, a member of the famous firm of publishers, gives an amusing instance of this in one of his letters. The Rev. James White, rector of a neighboring parish, and Tennyson were chaffing each other, as their custom was, concerning the merits of their respective houses. “I believe part of Bonchurch belongs to you,” remarked the poet. “The whole of it,” said White. —AiYou mean,” retorted Tennyson, “the hole you live in.” And the Rev. James White was silenced.