(FOR MR, G. F. WATTS'S PICTURE)

Mammon is this, of murder and of gold,
To-day, to-morrow, and ever from of old,
Th' Almighty God, and King of every land.
Man 'neath his foot, and woman 'neath his hand,
Kneel prostrate: he, 'tis meant to symbolise,
Steals our strong men and our sweet women buys.

O! rather grind me down into the dust
Than choose me for the vessel of thy lust.




ART

Art is a gipsy,
Fickle as fair,
Good to kiss and flirt with,
But marry--if you dare!




TO A POET

(TO EDMUND GOSSE)

Still towards the steep Parnassian way