Walter de la Mare

The Song of the Mad Prince

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.