FRAGMENT
Reading edition
He wandered through the darkened streets of night, His massive cape a-blown with every wind. He passed the strumpets flirting near the lamps, And bowed to one—the one most infamous. Then down familiar avenues he strolled, And met, as he was sure to meet them there, The lads who knew these lanes where men were bold. How many a British soldier went to death Beneath an Afric sun with some small gift, A pocketknife inlaid with precious stones, A case for cigarettes, or watch and chain, Which had been given him by Oscar Wilde.