My reading is extremely deep and wide; <br />And as our modern education goes— <br />Unique I think, and skilfully applied <br />To Art and Industry and Autres Choses <br />Through many years of scholarly repose. <br />But there is one thing where I disappoint <br />My numerous admirers (and my foes). <br />Painting on Vellum is my weakest point. <br /> <br />I ride superbly. When I say I 'ride' <br />The word's too feeble. I am one of those <br />That dominate a horse. It is my pride <br />To tame the fiercest with tremendous blows <br />Of heel and knee. The while my handling shows <br />Such lightness as a lady's. But Aroint <br />Thee! Human frailty with thy secret woes! <br />Painting on Vellum is my weakest point. <br /> <br />Painting on Vellum: not on silk or hide <br />Or ordinary Canvas: I suppose <br />No painter of the present day has tried <br />So many mediums with success, or knows <br />As well as I do how the subject grows <br />Beneath the hands of genius, that anoint <br />With balm. But I have something to disclose— <br />Painting on Vellum is my weakest point. <br /> <br /> <br />Envoi <br />Prince! do not let your Nose, your royal Nose, <br />Your large imperial Nose get out of Joint. <br />For though you cannot touch my golden Prose, <br />Painting on Vellum is my weakest point.<br /><br />Hilaire Belloc<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ballade-of-modest-confession/
