THE BLUE DWARF. 
87 
CHAU 
 
I who am come from the remote abode 
Beyond the highest snows, 
Beyond the swiftest river, 
Was moved thereto by a strange goad — 
Stranger, my lords, than all your wisdom knows ! 
For in the city of gold and jade 
Beyond where my vassal Tartars shiver 
I have a dagger gold-inlaid 
Sharp as an arrow from the heavenly quiver ; 
Its hilt of clustered fires, a crusted jewel 
Fashioned in the likeness of a demon-king 
Most exquisitely cruel : — 
Daily I try my luck  
By the Oracle of the Bleeding Duck. 
 
GOVINDA 
 
Look !  what a horrid horde of toads  
Hops from the Syrian wench ! 
 
Toads, issuing from the maid, hop off croaking into 
the darkness. 
 
MIRIAM 
 
Ah !  ribald croak !