And there for thirteen years I held my head,

Until the dupes decided I was dead.

Indeed I spent the better part in sleep,

Lest I should be beguiled from abstract chatter

By lust for this world's striped and dazzling matter.

"Night brought me counsel, and a pock-marked Kurd

Or angels brought me food. Day spared my dreams

That tilled the solitude like slow white teams

Of oxen, till it blossomed, and I heard

The Roc's huge pinions scour the starry cobbles;