Four Epigrams

I Education

This intricate world — we make it worse each day —
Grows such a labyrinth that bye and bye
Preparing for life, learning to find our way
Will leave at last no time except to die.

II Arms and the Men

They also serve who only stand and wait
To take advantage of the needs of state
And, when the hour comes that they waited for,
Cry profit, and let loose the hogs of war.

III On the Blake Prize for Religious Painting

Holy Jesus! What is this?
Thirty silver shekels paid,
Judas plants his abstract kiss
On his Saviour, twice betrayed.

IV Reply to a Critic

“You fail to keep up with the times!” “I quite agree.
Let the times change course and try to keep up with me.”