The Song of the Mad Prince
by Walter de la Mare (1873-1956)

Who said, “Peacock Pie”?
      The old King to the sparrow:
Who said, “Crops are ripe”?
      Rust to the harrow:
Who said, “Where sleeps she now?
      Where rests she now her head,
Bathed in eve’s loveliness”?—
      That’s what I said.

Who said, “Ay, mum’s the word”?
      Sexton to willow:
Who said, “Green dusk for dreams,
      Moss for a pillow”?
Who said, “All Time’s delight
      Hath she for narrow bed;
Life’s troubled bubble broken”?—
      That’s what I said.

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