Social Commentaries

A Voluptuary

by Ambrose Bierce 1842–c. 1914

From Black Beetles in Amber (1892)

Social Commentaries

Who's this that lispeth in the thickening throng
Which crowds to claim distinction in my song?
Fresh from "the palms and temples of the South,"
The mixed aromas quarrel in his mouth:
Of orange blossoms this the lingering gale,
And that the odor of a spicy tale.
Sir, in thy pleasure-dome down by the sea
(No finer one did Kubla Khan decree)
Where, Master of the Revels, thou dost stand
With joys and mysteries on either hand,
Dost keep a poet to report the rites
And sing the tale of those Elysian nights?
Faith, sir, I'd like the place if not too young.
I'm no great bard, but--I can hold my tongue.

MLA

Bierce, Ambrose. “A Voluptuary.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/bierce/117/.

Chicago

Bierce, Ambrose. “A Voluptuary.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/bierce/117/.

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