Mr. Philosopher

Old Mr. Philosopher
  Comes for Ben and Claire,
An ugly man, a tall man,
  With bright-red hair.

The books that he's written
  No one can read.
"In fifty years they'll understand:
  Now there's no need.

"All that matters now
  Is getting the fun.
Come along, Ben and Claire;
  Plenty to be done."

Then old Philosopher,
  Wisest man alive,
Plays at Lions and Tigers
  Down along the drive—

Gambolling fiercely
  Through bushes and grass,
Making monstrous mouths,
  Braying like an ass,

Twisting buttercups
  In his orange hair,
Hopping like a kangaroo,
  Growling like a bear.

Right up to tea-time
  They frolic there.
"My legs are wingle,"
  Says Ben to Claire.
Mr. Philosopher

by Robert Graves, 1918
