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Dear John I am sure that Christopher Newbould has identified the "Sir Charles" correctly, though my references give the name as Aitchison, Sir Charles Umpherston (1832–1896) [ODNB and Dictionary of Indian Biography (C.E. Buckland, 1906)]. Kipling seems to have been quite fond of the 'lasses of swate Parnassus' [or 'is' or 'es']. He used it in the opening line to refuse an invitation to a Yale dinner (Journal No.225, March 1983, p.43-44). With best regards Yours, David [Page] ________________________________ From: JOHN RADCLIFFE <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Monday, 3 December 2012, 17:12 Subject: A question Kipling's poem "A Levee in the Plains" (DD & OV) gives an account of the Queen's Birthday Levee in Lahore on May 24th 1886, through the eyes of an Irish soldier. It starts thus: Come here, ye lasses av swate Parnassis! Kape cool me hid while me pen recalls That night av tormint whan all Lahore wint To honour the Quane an' our great Sorr Charles. Can anyone suggest who Sir Charles might have been ? All thoughts will be gratefully received. Good wishes to all John R