Tim Romano wrote:
> Dan,
> I'm firmly in the camp that considers this section of the poem to be a kind
> of self-chastisement, yet with the self-appraisal being not entirely
> negative but counter-balanced with a sense that the intention and the
> artistic endeavor have been worthy.
>
> Learn of the green world what can be thy place
> In scaled invention or true artistry...
>
> When has the army ever been interested in _true artistry_? And how does one
> fit "Paquin" (the Parisian dress designer) into the ant-as-myrmidon reading?
>
> Pull down thy vanity,
> Paquin pull down!
> The green casque has outdone your elegance.
>
> When has the army ever been interested in the concept of _elegance_ except
> perhaps with regard to the efficient lethalness of a new weapon?
Could "the green casque" be a GI's helmet?
--
Stephen Adams
Department of English
University of Western Ontario
London, Canada N6A-3K7
(519)-434-7519