The Two Upon The Dancers’ Left

They dance it well, this ballet of youth’s fun,

See, to the tune how withered boyhood stirs,

But when the curtain drops on the dance done,

One little scene my memory prefers.

Far on the left, the painter, hand in glove

With that most merry lady, sat aside,

Flirting and mocking, making fun and love,

May this verse last, that praise of them abide.

May she be merry always, and may he

Be partnered ever with as sweet a she.

John Masefield