Page:Goblin Market (1933).djvu/33

  White and golden Lizzie stood, Like a lily in a flood, Like a rock of blue-veined stone Lashed by tides obstreperously, Like a beacon left alone In a hoary roaring sea, Sending up a golden fire, Like a fruit-crowned orange-tree, White with blossoms honey-sweet, Sore beset by wasp and bee, Like a royal virgin town Topped with gilded dome and spire Close beleaguered by a fleet Mad to tug her standard down.

One may lead a horse to water, Twenty cannot make him drink. Though the goblins cuffed and caught her, Coaxed and fought her, Bullied and besought her, Scratched her, pinched her black as ink, Kicked and knocked her, Mauled and mocked her, Lizzie uttered not a word; Would not open lip from lip Lest they should cram a mouthful in: