Came the great Popinjay
William Walton
Came the great Popinjay
Smelling his nosegay:
In cages like grots,
The bird sang gavottes.
"Herodiade's flea
Was named sweet Amanda.
She danced like a lady
From here to Uganda.
Oh, what a dance was there!
Long-haired, the candle
Salome-like tossed her hair
To a dance tune by Handel"...
Dance they still? Then came
Courtier Death
Blew out the candle flame
With civet breath.