Silverpoints

SILVERPOINTS
JOHN GRAY
LONDON M.DCCC.XC.III ELKIN MATHEWS AND JOHN LANE. AT THE SIGN OF THE BODLEY HEAD IN VIGO STREET
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
. . . EN COMPOSANT DES ACROSTICHES INDOLENTS P.V.
LES DEMOISELLES DE SAUVE
TO S. A. S. ALICE, PRINCESSE DE MONACO
Beautiful ladies through the orchard pass; Bend under crutched-up branches, forked and low; Trailing their samet palls o'er dew-drenched grass.
Pale blossoms, looking on proud Jacqueline, Blush to the colour of her finger tips, And rosy knuckles, laced with yellow lace.
High-crested Berthe discerns, with slant, clinched eyes, Amid the leaves pink faces of the skies; She locks her plaintive hands Sainte-Margot-wise.
Ysabeau follows last, with languorous pace; Presses, voluptuous, to her bursting lips. With backward stoop, a bunch of eglantine.
Courtly ladies through the orchard pass; Bow low, as in lords' halls; and springtime grass Tangles a snare to catch the tapering toe.