Neglectful Edward

NEGLECTFUL EDWARD by ROBERT GRAVES

Nancy: 'Edward back from the Indian Sea, What have you brought for Nancy?'

Edward: 'A rope of pearls and a gold earring, And a bird of the East that will not sing, A carven tooth, a box with a key---'

Nancy: 'God be praised you are back,' says she, 'Have you nothing more for your Nancy?'

Edward: 'Long as I sailed the Indian Sea I gathered all for your fancy; Toys and silk and jewels I bring, And a bird of the East that will not sing: What more can you want, dear girl, from me?'

Nancy: 'God be praised you are back,' said she, 'Have you nothing better for Nancy?'

Edward: 'Safe and home from the Indian Sea, And nothing to take your fancy?'

Nancy: 'You can keep your pearls and your gold earring, And your bird of the East that will not sing, But, Ned, have you nothing more for me Than heathenish gew-gaw toys?' says she, 'Have you nothing better for Nancy?'