Arthur Conan Doyle

The Artist

His body was conveyed to his studio –
where it lay surrounded by his pictures,
most of which represented fairy subjects.


The little elves upon the walls
	Cried, “What is this before us?
“Why should the Master lie so still,
	“And why should he ignore us?
“Oh what is this, and why is this?”
	They whispered in a chorus.

And one behind a heather ball,
	A gentle nymph and slender
Said, “What if we have made him cross,
	And I be the offender!”
“Nay, nay” they cried “he will not chide
	“The Master’s heart is tender”.