A LAST LOOK

Sick of self-love, Malvolio, like an owl

That hoots the sun rerisen where starlight sank,

With German garters crossed athwart thy frank

Stout Scottish legs, men watched thee snarl and scowl,

And boys responsive with reverberate howl

Shrilled, hearing how to thee the springtime stank

And as thine own soul all the world smelt rank

And as thine own thoughts Liberty seemed foul.

Now, for all ill thoughts nursed and ill words given

Not all condemned, not utterly forgiven,

Son of the storm and darkness, pass in peace.

Peace upon earth thou knewest not: now, being dead,

Rest, with nor curse nor blessing on thine head,

Where high-strung hate and strenuous envy cease.