AT THE SIGN OF THE COCK

(FRENCH STYLE, 1898)

(_Being an Ode in further “Contribution to the Song

of French History,” dedicated, without malice or

permission, to Mr. George Meredith_)

I

ROOSTER her sign,

Rooster her pugnant note, she struts

Evocative, amazon spurs aprick at heel;

Nid-nod the authentic stump

Of the once ensanguined comb vermeil as wine;

With conspuent doodle-doo

Hails breach o’ the hectic dawn of yon New Year,

Last issue up to date

Of quiverful Fate

Evolved spontaneous; hails with tonant trump

The spiriting prime o’ the clashed carillon-peal;

Ruffling her caudal plumes derisive of scuts;

Inconscient how she stalks an immarcessibly absurd Bird.