Which make this act that is as old as time, Forever new, as is this halting rhyme.

V

Do not provoke this Dragon in my breastCouchant and starving for your fragrant flesh.

His breath is scarlet as the evening west;

He'll crack your bones and eat you while you're fresh! He tells me that he comes from old Japan-

You know how very fierce those dragons are! His favorite, his only food is manEspecially seamen with the taste of tar.

He's so erotic he becomes unlatched If tickled here and there and thus and so! He loves to have his scaly belly scratched Or his tail twisted in a fancy bow;

But when he's fed and cannot stay awake, His snoring makes the very rafters shake!

VI

I once heard that bears in hibernation Do not respond to passionate urges, But, for the winter's long duration, Sleep celibate until spring emerges And they are troubled once again with sex. This is a nice arrangement. I declare That it would make my problem less complex If I could live the love life of a bear!

But on the contrary, were I to share

My cave with you, I would not hibernate.

Sleep is for bears, and I could not forebear

From putting off the winter of my fate.

To spend the lazy months in dallying

For where you were, Sweet Cub, it would be spring!

VII

Lest you be angry with me I will talk

Of other things: the weather and the gold Of sunlight littering the garden walk; The taste of oranges; the bitter cold

Of ale upon the tongue; the majesty

Of redwoods rising in cathedral groves;

The many moods which move the purple sea; Of ancient maps locating treasure troves.

All these and sundry things I will explore

With wit and learning or with subtle jest.

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