The World’s Tragedy

THE BLUE DWARF. 87 CHAU I who am come from the remote abode Beyond the highest snows, Beyond the swiftest river, Was moved thereto by a strange goad — Stranger, my lords, than all your wisdom knows ! For in the city of gold and jade Beyond where my vassal Tartars shiver I have a dagger gold-inlaid Sharp as an arrow from the heavenly quiver ; Its hilt of clustered fires, a crusted jewel Fashioned in the likeness of a demon-king Most exquisitely cruel : — Daily I try my luck By the Oracle of the Bleeding Duck. GOVINDA Look ! what a horrid horde of toads Hops from the Syrian wench ! Toads, issuing from the maid, hop off croaking into the darkness. MIRIAM Ah ! ribald croak !