Or get again the ancient right of the poets,

She said: ‘No message can do any good.

He will not send the answer that you want.

We cannot change him.’ And she went indoors,

Lay down upon the bed, and turned her face

Out of the light. And thereupon your father

Said: ‘Tell him that his mother sends no message,

Albeit broken down and miserable.’ [A pause.

Here’s a pigeon’s egg from Duras, and these others

Were laid by your own hens.