Wilhelm


"No good thing comes from out of Kaiserland,"

Says Phyllis; but beside the fire I note

One Wilhelm, sleek in tawny gold of coat,

Most satin-smooth to the caresser's hand.



A velvet mien; an eye of amber, full

Of that which keeps the faith with us for life;

Lover of meal times; hater of yard-dog strife;

Lordly, with silken ears most strokeable.



Familiar on the hearth, refuting her,

He sits, the antic-pawed, the proven friend,

The whimsical, the grave and reverend--

Wilhelm the Dachs from out of Hanover.



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