Honor

With jeweled tusks and damask housings
August the elephants appear:
Grandees, trumpets, banners, soldiers —
One flame from van to rear!

Bid by India's King they travel
In solemn embassage to-day,
To meet the Diamond from Golconda,
The Great Find of Cathay.

O the honor, O the homage!
But, methinks, 'twere nice,
Would they say but How-de-do?
To the Little Pearl of Price.