1At five precisely out went La Marquise
2when masons clutch the breath we held on loan
3replies like this the dumbstruck brain may tease
4and loudly sang off-key without a tone

5They both are right not untamed mutterings
6with sombre thoughts they grimly line the nave
7a daring baron pockets precious Mings
8that every verbal shock aims to deprave

9Staunch pilgrims longest journeys can’t depress
10or grinning like a pale-faced golliwog
11and played their mountain croquet jungle chess

12Southern baroque’s seductive dialogue
13with marble souvenirs then fill a slum
14and lessors’ dates have all too short a sum