* * * * *
_VERS TRES LIBRE._
(_Arabesque on a field of blue_).
These are the things, or gorgeous or delicate,
Imposing, intime, dazzling or repellent,
That sing--better than music's self,
Better than rhyme--
The praise and liberty of blue:
The turquoise and the peacock's neck,
The blood of kings, the deeps
Of Southern lakes, the sky
That bends over the Azores,
The language of the links, the eyes
Of fair-haired angels, the
Policeman's helmet and the backs
Of books issued by the Government,
Also the Bird of Happiness (MAETERLINCK)
And many other things such as
The Varsity colours, various kinds
Of pottery and limelight,
Some things by SWINBURNE, BURNS and EZRA POUND,
The speedwell in the glade, and, oh!
The little cubes they put in wash-tubs.