Poem by Vachel Lindsay

The Haughty Snail-King

Twelve snails went walking after night.
They’d creep an inch or so,
Then stop and bug their eyes
And blow.
Some folks . . . are . . . deadly . . . slow.
Twelve snails went walking yestereve,
Led by their fat old king.
They were so dull their princeling had
No sceptre, robe or ring—
Only a paper cap to wear
When nightly journeying.

This king-snail said: ”I feel a thought
Within. . . . It blossoms soon. . . .
O little courtiers of mine, . . .
I crave a pretty boo. . . .
Oh, yes . . . (High thoughts with effort come
And well-bred snails are ALMOST dumb.)
”I wish I had a yellow crown
As glistering . . . as . . . the moon.”

1. Sweethearts of the Year
2. What the Miner in the Desert Said
3. Sweet Briars of the Stairways
4. Above the Battle’s Front
5. Look You, I’ll Go Pray

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