<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">Violet</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I WOULD throw to magnificent doom</p><p class="line">White roses at her feet.</p><p class="line">Should she tread out the life of each bloom,</p><p class="line">What fate could be more sweet?</p><p class="line">I would rifle imperial graves</p><p class="line">For rings of ancient skill;</p><p class="line">I would bring her an army of slaves</p><p class="line">Dependent on her will.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I would build her a wonderful home.</p><p class="line">The place a Queen to please.</p><p class="line">Cedar walls with an ivory dome.</p><p class="line">Where she might dwell at ease.</p><p class="line">Should she covet the stars or the moon.</p><p class="line">Or, yes, the seraphim,</p><p class="line">I am sure I should count it a boon</p><p class="line">To satisfy her whim.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">But I think of her beautiful face.</p><p class="line">Her kind, kind English heart</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">With its personal treasures of grace</p><p class="line">That have no counterpart.</p><p class="line">And I know that she sets not the tasks</p><p class="line">Inferior Queens decree.</p><p class="line">That I love her, is all that she asks</p><p class="line">Of heaven and of me.</p></div><p>PALESTINE, Aug. 12, 1917</p></body></html> · Great War