A wandering minstrel happily announces that he doesn’t envy the rich in their carriages or cabs. Rain or shine, he squeezes into a corner of an omnibus, and the drivers even know him and his instrument. In summer he rides on top, looking down on the wealthy with a compassionate smile. The real luxury, for him, is the ever‑changing city pageant: the “human tale of love and hate” that rolls past his window. He feels free, deeply content, and finds a delicate pleasure in simple observation. The refrain — “An omnibus suffices me” — becomes a gentle boast of choosing simplicity over splendour. The final address to a “Princess” makes the point clear: she can keep her grandeur, he’ll keep his modest ride. The whole poem has a light, warm, almost whimsical mood, as if the speaker is humming a tune to himself while the city life unfolds around him.
Ballade of an Omnibus — Summary
"To see my love suffices me." --Ballades in Blue China.
Some men to carriages aspire; On some the costly hansoms wait; Some seek a fly, on job or hire; Some mount the trotting steed, elate. I envy not the rich and great, A wandering minstrel, poor and free, I am contented with my fate -- An omnibus suffices me.
In winter days of rain and mire I find within a corner strait; The 'busmen know me and my lyre From Brompton to the Bull-and-Gate. When summer comes, I mount in state The topmost summit, whence I see Crœsus look up, compassionate -- An omnibus suffices me.
I mark, untroubled by desire, Lucullus' phaeton and its freight. The scene whereof I cannot tire, The human tale of love and hate, The city pageant, early and late Unfolds itself, rolls by, to be A pleasure deep and delicate. An omnibus suffices me.
Princess, your splendour you require, I, my simplicity; agree Neither to rate lower nor higher. An omnibus suffices me.