I seemed to live thereon, and slowly grew

Confucian, clear of thought.

One year I gazed upon that much-loved plate,

Till at the last the sight began to pall.

I said, "How know I 'tis of ancient date,

Or China-ware at all?"

So when one year was wholly finishèd,

I put that willow-pattern plate away.

"Now rather bring me Satsuma!" I said,

"Or blue-green Cloisonnée.