The Librarian

by Mark Van Doren:

When first in that still treasure-house of books
I saw the dread librarian come and go,
And never deign to loosen with soft looks
Her spell o'er us who would her secret know:
When next, behind her frosted iron shield,
I saw her move along the friendly halls,
Rebuking with a single glance congealed--
Ignoring such as stood against the walls;
I, wondering then if king or god id hold
Possession of her queenly heart and mind,
Resolved to be incontinently bold,
And ask her if she be of mortal kind.
I did,-- and lo! this answer did she fling:
"I'm just a girl, and fit for anything!"

published in Smart Set, Oct. 1915.