In prosecution of my calling, I

Found myself at the theatre one night

With a brother Canon, in a mood and mind

Proper enough for the place, amused or no:

When I saw enter, stand, and seat herself

A lady, young, tall, beautiful, strange and sad.

It was as when, in our cathedral once,

As I got yawningly through matin-song,

I saw facchini bear a burden up,

Base it on the high-altar, break away