Poems (Scudder)/Her Ladyship's Fan
HER LADYSHIP'S FAN
A sheath flower-slender Of nacre and gold—But dared I unfurl it What might I behold?
A miniature garden Where under green trees Are pacing sedately Duchesse and marquise
Displaying with studied And languorous grace Their moon-tinted satins And shimmering lace?
Or maybe, a laughing, Adorable girl Unveiling her shoulders' Peach-blossom and pearl
To the kiss of a cupid Who hovers near by His azure-tipped winglets Scarce fitted to fly?
A gondola gliding Behind a white swan Who harnessed with rosebuds Moves tranquilly on
Reclining within it A lady most fair And seated beside her A youth debonair.
A zither he touches While both seem to sing—Oh, her ladyship's fan Is an exquisite thing!
I'll summon up courage Sufficient for this—Each tiny gilt spangle I'll lovingly kiss
Each whimsical spiral And fairy volute, Its filmy lace roses And strange colored fruit.
So when she unfurls it— Must needs be anear Her cheek, her red lips, or That maddening ear—
My kisses undreamed of Will hover and cling—Oh, her ladyship's fan's an Adorable thing!