T. S.  E L I O T  (1888-1965)

Lines for an Old Man 

The tiger in the tiger-pit 
Is not more irritable than I. 
The whipping tail is not more still 
Than when I smell the enemy 
Writhing in the essential blood 
Or dangling from the friendly tree. 
When I lay bare the tooth of wit 
The hissing over the arched tongue 
Is more affectionate than hate, 
More bitter than the love of youth, 
And inaccessible by the young. 
Reflected from my golden eye. 
The dullard knows that he is mad. 

Tell me if I am not glad! 

---