POETRY

THE BARGAIN

THE stable door was open wide : I heard voices, looked inside.

Six candle-yellow birds were set In a cage of silver net, Shaking wing, preening feather, Whistling loudly all together.

Two most ancient withered fairies Bartered rings against canaries,

Haggled with a courteous cunning—

Hinting, boasting, teasing, punning In a half-remembered tongue.

" Too low an offer ! " " Times are bad."

" Too low ! " " By far the best you have had."

" Raise it ! " Then what a song was sung : " Dicky is a pretty lad I Dicky is a pretty lad ! "

But diamonds twinkled with light flung

By twelve impatient golden wings, The younger merchant took the rings, Closed his bargain with a sigh, And sadly wished his flock " Good-bye."

Good-bye, good-bye, in fairy speech With a sugar-peck for each Unsuspecting bright canary.

" Fare you well."

A sudden airy Gust of midnight slammed the door.

Out went the lights : I heard no more.

ROBERT GRAVES.