CHINOISERIE
(Villanelle). For B. M.
LOTUS flowers clustering
Round your feet in storeys laid,
Splendid daughter of a King.
In a graven vase of Ming
Peaches, apricots of jade,
Lotus flowers clustering,
All their scentless riches bring,
All around your throne displayed,
Costly daughter of a King.
What young prince astonishing
Rides along the inky glade,
Lotus flowers clustering
Round his camel travelling?
See the leopards unafraid,
Slender daughter of a King!
Coromandel picturing,
Strangely, marvellously made.
Lotus flowers clustering,
Nightingales that cannot sing,
What celestial escapade
Are they nightly witnessing,
Through lotus flowers clustering,
O subtle daughter of a King?