Going to Market

Good morning, Mister, how do you do?

I am going to Salmon Lane, to the cheap market for dainty foods.

Wo n't you come with me, Mister?

I shall buy meat and fish and a loaf of bread,

And fresh fruit and potatoes;

I shall buy a cluster of flowers and a bottle of wine,

Some butter and some jam,

And biscuits, and nuts and candy.

For I give an English feast to-night to a friend with yellow curls,

And every dish will be cooked by me.

Into the pot will go sharp spices,

To flavour your English meats:

Cayenne and thyme, and sage and salt,

A sprig of parsley for garnish,

And some delicate bamboo shoots.

But the sweetest spice will not be seen,

It will leap from my heart to the pot as I stir it.

I am going to gather it on the way to the market

From my own sweet thoughts and from elegant conversation

With notable misters.

Wo n't you come with me?