Page:Two Mock Epics (Hanuman and Tantum Religio), Lyrics, Post Meridian Verse, The Turret Captain's Toast and other Verses.pdf/17

 O’er his fevered brow the giant palm leaves’

Fringe of green their freshness shower,

Like a winged gem the insect quivers

In the gloom of branch and flower.

Golden through its leaves the date—he graspeth

For it—woe!—but empty air he claspeth.

All is but a dream’s deceptive power!

In a smart ne suit next morn his master

Dressed him: his two-cornered hat

baude Cocked in rakish guise with gorgeous top-knot—

Sure some gift of fairy that;

Ruddy frock all filigree bedizened,

Violet ducks, in huge top-boots imprisoned,

Loose about his nether person sat.

Seated on a squeaking hurdy-gurdy

Which his master’s shoulder bore,

Off he set o’er Rhineland, France, Italia,

On his artist’s wanderjahr,

From the southern vine to Norway’s larches,

Half of Europe, covered with his marches,

Did that landless prince of apes explore.

Hailed with wild acclaim and children’s laughter,

He must show his wit, the slum

Of the town amuse, divert the village

Tavern bumpkins rude and glum,

Take his cap off, courtier-wise on one knee

Drop, play cards or smoke the sailors’ honey-

Dew, walk on his head and tipple rum,