The Star and the Garter

I tell you, I was put to it To wake a wonder of my wit Winged, to avail me from the scorn Of my own concierge. Adorn The facts I might ; you know them not ; But that were just the one black blot On this love’s lesson : still, to excuse Myself to you, who could not choose But make some weak apology Before the concierge’s eye! True, you are far too high to accuse— Perhaps would rather not be told? You shall hear. Does a miner lose If through the quartz he gets to gold? Yes: Nina was a thing of nought, A little laughing lewd gamine, Idle and vicious, void of thought, Easy, impertinent, unclean— Utterly charming! Yes, my queen! She had a generous baby soul, Prattled of love. Should I control, Repress perhaps the best instinct The child had ever had? I winked At foolish neighbours, did not shirk. Such café Turc I made her drink As she had never had before; Set her where you are sitting ; chatted ; 46