Robert Graves (1895–1985). Fairies and Fusiliers. 1918.
9. Mr. Philosopher
O
Comes for Ben and Claire,
An ugly man, a tall man,
With bright-red hair.
No one can read.
“In fifty years they’ll understand:
Now there’s no need.
Is getting the fun.
Come along, Ben and Claire;
Plenty to be done.”
Wisest man alive,
Plays at Lions and Tigers
Down along the drive—
Through bushes and grass,
Making monstrous mouths,
Braying like an ass,
In his orange hair,
Hopping like a kangaroo,
Growling like a bear.
They frolic there.
“My legs are wingle,”
Says Ben to Claire.