Came the Great Popinjay

Portrait of Dame Edith Sitwell
Dame Edith Sitwell 1887–1964

CAME the great Popinjay Smelling his nosegay: In cages like grots The birds sang gavottes. 'Herodiade's flea Was named sweet Amanda, She danced like a lady From here to Uganda. Oh, what a dance was there! Long-haired, the candle Salome-like tossed her hair To a dance tune by Handel.' . . . Dance they still? Then came Courtier Death, Blew out the candle flame With civet breath.

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