Geoffrey Hill(b. 1932)
VIII ("The mad are predators. Too often lately they harbour")
T h e m a d are predators. T o o o f t e n lately they harbour
against us. A novel heresy exculpates all m a i m e d
souls. Abjure it! I am the King of Mercia, and
I know.
Threatened by phone-calls at midnight, venomous letters,
forewarned I have thwarted their imminent devices.
Today I name them; tomorrow I shall express the new
law. I dedicate my awakening to this matter.