"Ballade of Modest Confession" Hilaire Belloc

My reading is extremely deep and wide;   

And as our modern education goes—

Unique I think, and skilfully applied   

To Art and Industry and Autres Choses

Through many years of scholarly repose.   

But there is one thing where I disappoint   

My numerous admirers (and my foes).   

Painting on Vellum is my weakest point.

I ride superbly. When I say I 'ride'

The word's too feeble. I am one of those   

That dominate a horse. It is my pride

To tame the fiercest with tremendous blows

Of heel and knee. The while my handling shows   

Such lightness as a lady's. But Aroint   

Thee! Human frailty with thy secret woes!   

Painting on Vellum is my weakest point.

Painting on Vellum: not on silk or hide   

Or ordinary Canvas: I suppose

No painter of the present day has tried   

So many mediums with success, or knows   

As well as I do how the subject grows

Beneath the hands of genius, that anoint

With balm. But I have something to disclose—

Painting on Vellum is my weakest point.

Envoi

Prince! do not let your Nose, your royal Nose,   

Your large imperial Nose get out of Joint.

For though you cannot touch my golden Prose,   

Painting on Vellum is my weakest point.