The Fagot
Observe the dying father speak:
Try, lads, can you this bundle break?
Then bids the youngest of the six
Take up a well-bound heap of sticks.
They thought it was an old man's maggot;
And strove, by turns, to break the fagot:
In vain: the complicated wands
Were much too strong for all their hands.
See, said the sire, how soon 'tis done:
Then took and broke them one by one.
So strong you'll be, in friendship ty'd;
So quickly broke, if you divide.
Keep close then, boys, and never quarrel:
Here ends the fable, and the moral.
This tale may be applied in few words,
To treasurers, comptrollers, stewards;
And others, who, in solemn sort,
Appear with slender wands at court;
Not firmly join'd to keep their ground,
But lashing one another round:
While wise men think they ought to fight
With quarterstaffs instead of white;
Or constable, with staff of peace,
Should come and make the clatt'ring cease;
Which now disturbs the queen and court,
And gives the Whigs and rabble sport.
In history we never found
The consul's fasces were unbound:
Those Romans were too wise to think on't,
Except to lash some grand delinquent,
How would they blush to hear it said,
The praetor broke the consul's head!
Or consul in his purple gown,
Came up and knock'd the praetor down!
Come, courtiers: every man his stick!
Lord treasurer, for once be quick:
And that they may the closer cling,
Take your blue ribbon for a string.
Come, trimming Harcourt, bring your mace;
And squeeze it in, or quit your place:
Dispatch, or else that rascal Northey
Will undertake to do it for thee:
And be assured, the court will find him
Prepared to leap o'er sticks, or bind them.
To make the bundle strong and safe,
Great Ormond, lend thy general's staff:
And, if the crosier could be cramm'd in
A fig for Lechmere, King, and Hambden!
You'll then defy the strongest Whig
With both his hands to bend a twig;
Though with united strength they all pull,
From Somers, down to Craggs and Walpole.
poem by Jonathan Swift
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Broke Away
I live a perfect lie
All I ever want lies forgiven
Took away all of those chains and say
They broke away, they broke away
Do you lead a better life
Even when the sweet turns to bitter
Took away all of our chains and said
They broke away, they broke away
Walking round outer space
Knowing that youve had a taste
Walking round and out of place
And knowing what youre gonna do
To break down those chains
I cant tell you
Took away all of our chains and say
Broke away, they broke away
Got away with my ambition
Only if I want it
Only if I dont
Took away all of those chains and say
They broke away, they broke away
Walking round and out of place
Knowing that youve had a taste
Walking round out of place
Nothing what youre gonna do
To break out on me
I cant tell you
Took away all of your chains and say
They broke away, they broke away
And knowing what youre gonna do
To break down those chains
I cant tell you
Take away all of those chains and say
They broke away, they broke away
song performed by by Wet Wet Wet
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Saving Ev
As I was going to bed,
I heard loud
shouts directed at Ev.
I ran outside to the front,
girls yelling words
mean and blunt.
Girls punching Ev,
I did break in,
and make sure Ev
got air to breathe again.
Then I broke away and
ran towards the door,
along with Ev,
girls running after all four.
The door did shut
but girls were strong,
cops came fast
before too long.
A shoe was left outside,
girls thought we were
trying to hide.
The cop pressed charges
and girls went to court.
Ev 'let it go' that was his retort.
Now Ev says if I hadn’t jumped in,
there would be no more left of him.
Thank God I did or I would be left
with less one friend.
Written by Christina Sunrise on Feb.14,2011
poem by Suzae Chevalier
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Strong Strong Wind
We walked away before
There were too many storms
We could not get throught
But I still kept loving you
Now fate brought you back to me
This time I won't let you leave
I'm holding on to you, forever,
I'm never letting go
The time I spent away from you
was time that made me see
I need to live this life with you
I need you here with me
Now it would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind
Hearts sometimes lose their way
But they find their way back someday
To the arms they need
And I need you like the air I breathe
The time I spent away from you was time
lost in the rain
I'm meant to live this life with you
That's something nothing can change
And it would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind
This time I'm holding on with everything
This time I won't let go for anything
It would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
To make us break apart this time
It would take a strong, strong wind
Strong, strong wind
song performed by by Air Supply
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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We Will Be Strong
Pity the fool
Its hard but he broke a rule
And that isnt done
Somehow, someday, brother will use a gun
Just walking the town
Just painting it sad
Its bringing me down
Its driving me mad
Woman is away from me
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
No other way you clown
Your thoughtfulness has brought us down
And that isnt right
That we should walk alone on the streets at night
Just checking the time
Walking that very fine line
The humour is black
The plan is attack
Now woman is away from me
But we will be strong
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
Down on your luck
The shock it has struck
The weak ones will die
The questions are why? why?
Does anybody hear?
Does anybody understand?
Let me make it clear
Nows the time to take a stand
Now woman is away from me
But we will make it strong
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
We will be strong
We will
We will be strong
We will be
We will be strong
We will
We will be strong
We
We will
We
We will be
We
We will
We will be strong
We will be strong
song performed by by Thin Lizzy
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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We Will Be Strong
Pity the fool
Its hard but he broke a rule
And that isnt done
Somehow, someday, brother will use a gun
Just walking the town
Just painting it sad
Its bringing me down
Its driving me mad
Woman is away from me
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
No other way you clown
Your thoughtfulness has brought us down
And that isnt right
That we should walk alone on the streets at night
Just checking the time
Walking that very fine line
The humour is black
The plan is attack
Now woman is away from me
But we will be strong
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
Down on your luck
The shock it has struck
The weak ones will die
The questions are why? why?
Does anybody hear?
Does anybody understand?
Let me make it clear
Nows the time to take a stand
Now woman is away from me
But we will make it strong
We will be strong, we will be strong
I know we have the strength to carry on
We have the strength
I know my rights from wrong
I know youve lost Ive won
We will be stronger
We will be strong
And getting stronger every day
Believe me when I say it
There is no other way to convey it
We will be strong
We will
We will be strong
We will be
We will be strong
We will
We will be strong
We
We will
We
We will be
We
We will
We will be strong
We will be strong
song performed by by Thin Lizzy
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Strong, Strong Wind
We were too hateful
There were too many storms
We could not get through
But I still kept loving you
Fate brought you back to me
This time i won't let you leave
I'm holding on to you Forever
I'm never letting go
The time I spent away from you
Was time that made me see
I need to live my life with you
I need you here with me
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
Make us break apart this time
And It would take a strong, strong wind
Hearts sometimes lose their way
But they find their way back someday
To the arms they need
And I need you like the air I breathe
The time I spent away from you
Was time lost in the rain
I meant to live my life with you
That's something nothing can change
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
Make us break apart this time
And It would take a strong, strong wind
This time I'm holding on with everything
This time I won't let go for anything
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To take me from your arms again
To take me from your side
And It would take a strong, strong wind
To pull away this heart of mine
Make us break apart this time
And It would take a strong, strong wind
song performed by by Heart
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Saving Ev
As I was going to bed,
I heard loud
shouts directed at Ev.
I ran outside to the front,
girls yelling words
mean and blunt.
Girls punching Ev,
I did break in,
and make sure Ev
got air to breathe again.
Then I broke away and
ran towards the door,
along with Ev,
girls running all four.
The door did shut
but girls were strong,
cops came fast before
too long.
A shoe was left outside,
girls thought we were
trying to hide.
The cop pressed charges
and girls went to court.
Ev let it go that was his retort.
Now Ev says if I hadn’t jumped in,
there would be no more left of him.
Thank God I did or I would be left
with one less friend.
Written by Christina Sunrise on Feb.14,2011
poem by Christina Sunrise
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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They Say It's Farewell......I May Perhaps Say It's Break Up.......
I reminisce the walk with you,
midst of decending drizzle......
Now I wonder why me alone in drizzle,
then I revive we broke up......
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......! ! !
I reminisce the staring,
me to your eyes, you to mine......
Now I wonder why my vision blur,
then I revive i'm in darkness and we broke up......
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......
I reminisce mesmerised,
by your resplendence......
Now I wonder why my head spin,
then I revive I'm doped and we broke up.....
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......
I reminisce dreaming you,
snuggling my pillow......
Now I wonder why pillow plunged,
then I revive I'm weeping and we broke up....
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......
I reminisce writing,
your name appending with mine....
Now I wonder why my hands shiver,
then i revive i'm writing last words and we broke up....
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......
I reminisce the,
day you resided in my heart.....
Now I wonder why cant I erase,
then I revive you're forever and we broke up....
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL......I MAY PERHAPS SAY IT'S BREAK UP.......
I reminisce you saying,
I'll be with you....
Now I wonder why you not with me.....
then i revive you're dead and we didnt broke up.....
THEY SAY IT'S FAREWELL...I SAY YOU DON'T EXIST ANYMORE...! ! ! ! ! ! !
THEY SAY DONT CRY.....I SAY, I CANT SMILE ANYMORE
THEY INSIST TO SMILE......AGAIN I SAY, I CANT
THEY ASK WHY? ......I SAY, I LOVED HER, DIDNT FLIRT
THEY WERE QUIET........I CONTINUE TO WAIL FOR HER! ! ! ! ! !
P.S: SOMEONE SPECIAL STILL LIVE IN US, EVEN THEIR PHYSICAL BODY-THEY SAY DEAD BODY-IS INCINERATED! ! ! ! ! ! !
poem by shinej K.P
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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David
It is not always to the strong
Victorious battle shall belong.
This found Goliath huge and tall:
Mightiest giant of them all,
Who in the proud Philistian host
Defiëd Israel with boast.
With loud voice Goliath said:
'Hear, armed Israel, gatherëd,
And in array against us set:
Ye shall alone by me be met.
For am not I a Philistine?
What strength may be compared to mine?
'Choose ye a man of greatest might:
And if he conquer me in fight,
Then we will all servants be,
King of Israel, unto thee.
But if I prove the victor, then
Shall Saul and all his armëd men
Bend low beneath Philistian yoke.'
Day by day these words he spoke,
Singly traversing the ground.
But not an Israelite was found
To combat man to man with him,
Who such prodigious force of limb
Displayed. Like to a weaver's beam
The ponderous spear he held did seem.
In height six cubits he did pass,
And he was armed all o'er in brass.
Him we will leave awhile, and speak
Of one, the soft down on whose cheek
Of tender youth the tokens bare.
Ruddy he was and very fair.
David, the son of Jesse he,
Small sized, yet beautiful to see.
Three brothers had he in the band
Of warriors under Saul's command;
Himself at home did private keep
In Bethlem's plains his father's sheep.
Jesse said to this his son:
'David, to thy brothers run,
Where in the camp they now abide,
And learn what of them may betide.
These presents for their captains take,
And of their fare inquiries make.'
With joy the youth his sire obeyed.-
David was no whit dismayed
When he arrivëd at the place
Where he beheld the strength and face
Of dread Goliath, and could hear
The challenge. Of the people near
Unmoved he asked, what should be done
To him who slew that boasting one,
Whose words such mischiefs did forebode
To the armies of the living God?
'The king,' they unto David say,
'Most amply will that man repay.
He and his father's house shall be
Evermore in Israel free.
With mighty wealth Saul will endow
That man: and he has made a vow;
Whoever takes Goliath's life,
Shall have Saul's daughter for his wife.'
His eldest brother, who had heard
His question, was to anger stirred
Against the youth: for (as he thought)
Things out of his young reach he sought.
Said he, 'What moved thee to come here,
To question warlike men? say, where
And in whose care are those few sheep
That in the wilderness you keep?
I know thy thoughts, how proud thou art:
In the haughtiness of thy heart,
Hoping a battle thou mayst see,
Thou comest hither down to me.'
Then answered Jesse's youngest son
In these words: 'What have I done?
Is there not cause?' Some there which heard,
And at the manner of his word
Admired, report this to the king.
By his command they David bring
Into his presence. Fearless then,
Before the king and his chief men,
He shows his confident design
To combat with the Philistine.
Saul with wonder heard the youth,
And thus addressed him: 'Of a truth,
No power thy untried sinew hath
To cope with this great man of Gath.'
Lowly David bowed his head,
And with firm voice the stripling said:
'Thy servant kept his father's sheep.-
Rushing from a mountain steep
There came a lion, and a bear,
The firstlings of my flock to tear.
Thy servant hath that lion killed,
And killed that bear, when from the field
Two young lambs by force they seized.
The Lord was mercifully pleased
Me to deliver from the paw
Of the fierce bear, and cruel jaw
Of the strong lion. I shall slay
The unrighteous Philistine this day,
If God deliver him also
To me.' He ceased. The king said, 'Go:
Thy God, the God of Israel, be
In the battle still with thee.'
David departs unarmed, save
A staff in hand he chanced to have.
Nothing to the fight he took,
Save five smooth stones from out a brook;
These in his shepherd's scrip he placed,
That was fastened round his waist.
With staff and sling alone he meets
The armëd giant, who him greets
With nought but scorn. Looking askance
On the fair ruddy countenance
Of his young enemy-'Am I
A dog, that thou comest here to try
Thy strength upon me with a staff?'
Goliath said with scornful laugh.
'Thou comest with sword, with spear, with shield,
Yet thou to me this day must yield.
The Lord of Hosts is on my side,
Whose armies boastful thou'st defied.
All nations of the earth shall hear
He saveth not with shield and spear.'
Thus David spake, and nigher went,
Then choosing from his scrip, he sent
Out of his slender sling a stone.-
The giant uttered fearful moan.
The stone though small had piercëd deep
Into his forehead, endless sleep
Giving Goliath-and thus died
Of Philistines the strength and pride.
poem by Charles Lamb
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sticks And Stones
Sticks and stones, might break my bones
And words, shall never harm me,
I was told that story, when I was a Boy
Along with the birds and bees, I believe
So I lived my life, through that advice
That was given to me in my youth,
That sticks and stones would break my bones
And words could do no harm was true.
So I stayed away from sticks and stones
And tried never calling anyone names
But the sticks still arrived, in my life
And also the words of hate and pain.
But then I had healed from broken bones
And bruises and all the nasty cuts,
It made me stronger, then I thought longer
About the words of hate and such.
Because the words of hate, I couldn't escape
As I noticed them around everyday
Destroying ones soul, until life they'd let go
Or asking GOD for vengeance as they'd pray.
Sticks and stones had broke my bones
And words of hate had really harmed me,
As I look around, I can still hear the sound
Of hate, and belittlement, and bigotry.
There are still broken bones and nasty cuts,
As I see as I enter every day with a walk,
But doctors heal then, as they are new again
But the words of hatred never balks.
In my life I have made many choices,
And I hope with one I don't stand alone
Never to ever use any word of hate
As I don't mind getting hit with sticks or stones.
Randy L. McClave
poem by Randy McClave
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Love Make Me Strong
(terry britten/sue shifrin)
Theres no power capable of
Coming between us--dividing our love
To be faithful I have sworn
Together we can weather the storm
Our tomorrows are ticking away
Our hands are tied--were victims of fate
In my darkness I will pray
For destiny to send me your way
Love make me strong
Give me the strength to carry on
Love make me strong
A tower of strength to lean upon
Love make me strong
The seven seas wont keep us apart
Not with an ocean of love in my heart
My devotion will see me through
Cause nothings gonna keep me from you
Love make me strong
Give me the strength to carry on
Love make me strong
A tower of strength to lean upon
Love make me strong
Oh its a sad sad story
True lovers forced to part
Shot down in all its glory
Youll hear the sound of broken hearts
My devotion will see me through
Cause nothings gonna keep me from you
Love make me strong
Give me the strength to carry on
Love make me strong
A tower of strength to lean upon
Love make me strong
Oh oh love make me strong
Love make me strong, make me strong
Love make me strong
song performed by by Olivia Newton-John
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Roll Of The De Silve Race
[HERNANI, Act III.]
In that reverend face
Behold the father of De Silva's race,
Silvius; in Rome he filled the consul's place
Three times (your patience for such honored names).
This second was Grand Master of St. James
And Calatrava; his strong limbs sustained
Armor which ours would sink beneath. He gained
Thirty pitched battles, and took, as legends tell,
Three hundred standards from the Infidel;
And from the Moorish King Motril, in war,
Won Antiquera, Suez, and Nijar;
And then died poor. Next to him Juan stands,
His son; his plighted hand was worth the hands
Of kings. Next Gaspar, of Mendoza's line--
Few noble stems but chose to join with mine:
Sandoval sometimes fears, and sometimes woos
Our smiles; Manriquez envies; Lara sues;
And Alancastre hates. Our rank we know:
Kings are but just above us, dukes below.
Vasquez, who kept for sixty years his vow--
Greater than he I pass. This reverend brow,
This was my sire's--the greatest, though the last:
The Moors his friend had taken and made fast--
Alvar Giron. What did my father then?
He cut in stone an image of Alvar,
Cunningly carved, and dragged it to the war;
He vowed a vow to yield no inch of ground
Until that image of itself turned round;
He reached Alvar--he saved him--and his line
Was old De Silva's, and his name was mine--
Ruy Gomez.
King CARLOS. Drag me from his lurking-place
The traitor!
[DON RUY _leads the_ KING _to the portrait behind
which_ HERNANI _is hiding_.]
Sire, your highness does me grace.
This, the last portrait, bears my form and name,
And you would write this motto on the frame!
'This last, sprung from the noblest and the best,
Betrayed his plighted troth, and sold his guest!'
poem by Victor Hugo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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An American
An American,
she thought he was,
the hair cut
and the style of clothes
gave her a clue,
at least that
and the drawn out
drawl like he was drawing
the words
from a deep well.
Her father called him a Yank,
didn’t take to him at all,
wouldn’t even speak
when he said, Hello Sir,
all kind of polite,
thoughtful and well bred,
and her mother
was always gazing at him,
taking in his walk,
his talk and remembering
years before,
some similar American
with his big blue eyes
and wide wallet
brushed her off her feet
and broke her heart
and left a bundle
in her womb,
a daughter,
wanting to go
with an American now,
history trying to repeat,
break a heart
after sweeping of her feet.
poem by Terry Collett
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Oddfellowship in Ingersoll
We look in vain for our past grands,
Now scattered over many lands ;
For some o'er the wide world doth rove,
And some have joined Grand Lodge above.
But ever since Father Adam's fall
We are dependent creatures all.
Though man is weak yet he may join
With others, strength for to combine-
A single rod is easily broken,
Bundle is of strength the token.
The illustration, it was grand
Which was given by Reverend Bland,
Five Oddfellows all in one hand
And yet they all united stand,
Each finger hath a different length
Each finger varies in its strength.
Each one is weak, but a firm fist
You can scarcely break or twist.
Tis same with members of a Lodge,
United, them you cannot budge.
Then let us, linked with friendly chain,
Friendship, love and truth maintain,
And aid our brothers in distress,
The widows and the orphans bless ;
Then let each Lodge strive all it can,
Both Oxford and Samaritan,
To aid distressed brother man ;
Extending influence for good
And universal brotherhood.
poem by James McIntyre
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Keep You Head To The Sky
Words and music by maurice white
Master told me one day
Id find peace in every way
But in search for the clue
Wrong things I was bound to do
Keep my head to the sky
For the clouds to tell me why
As I grew, and with strength
Master kept me as I repent
And he said
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
He gave me the will to be free
Purpose to live his reality
Hey, and I found myself never alone
Chances came to make me strong
To step right up and be a man
cause you need faith to understand
So were saying for you to hear
Keep your head and face atmosphere
Keep your head to the sky
So the clouds
Keep your head to the sky
So they can tell you why, lord
Keep your head to the sky
Surely, the clouds are gonna tell you why
Gave me the will to be free
Purpose to live his reality
Ooo, and I found myself never alone
cause chances came, they came to make me strong
Hey, to step right up and be a man
Ooo, you need faith to understand
So were just saying for you to hear
Keep your head and face atmosphere
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Dont walk around with your head hung down
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Surely, surely the coulds are gonna tell you why
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
song performed by by Earth Wind And Fire
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Aikendrum
Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum
He can fight the hero bright, with his heels and armour tight
And the wind of heavenly night, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Is not Rowley in the right, Aikendrum!
Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum
That man of high command, who has sworn to clear the land
He has vanished from our strand, Aikendrum, Aikendrum,
Or the eel has ta'en the sand, Aikendrum.
Donald's running 'round and 'round, Aikendrum, Aikendrum,
Donald's running 'round and 'round, Aikendrum
But the Chief cannot be found, and the Dutchmen they are drowned
And King Jaime he is crowned, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
But the dogs will get a stound, Aikendrum.
We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum
But we've sought the country o'er, with cannon and claymore,
And still they are before, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
We may seek forevermore, Aikendrum!
Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum
Look Jolly, blythe and big, take his ain blest side and prig,
And the poor, worm-eaten Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
For opposition's sake you will win!
poem by James Hogg
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The Treasury
THE strange intelligence then reached my ears
That in the land of Egypt lived a man,
Who, wise of wit, subjected to his scan
The dark occurrences of uncome years;
He judged the stars, and by the moving spheres
And aspects of the heavens unveiled the dim
Face of futurity, which then to him
Appeared, as clear to us the past appears.
A yearning towards this sage inspired my pen
And tongue, that instant, with humility
Descending from my height of majesty;
Such mastery has a strong desire o'er men;
My earnest prayers I wrote -- I sent -- with ten
My noblest envoys, loaded each apart
With gold and silver, which with all my heart
I offered him, but the request was vain.
With much politeness the wise man replied,
"You, sire, are a great king, and I should be
Most glad to serve you, but in such a fee
Of gold and silver gems I take no sort of pride;
Deign, then, yourself to use them; I abide
Content in more abundant wealth; and may
Your treasures profit you in every way
That I can wish, your servant." I complied;
But sent the stateliest of my argosies,
Which reached, and from the Alexandrian port
Brought safe this cunning master to my court,
Who greeted me with all kind courtesies;
I knowing well his great abilities,
And learning in the movement of the spheres,
Have highly honored him these many years,
For honor is the birthright of the wise.
poem by Alfonso X the Wise
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The Court Of The Crimson King
The dance of the puppets
The rusted chains of prison moons
Are shattered by the sun.
I walk a road, horizons change
The tournaments begun.
The purple piper plays his tune,
The choir softly sing;
Three lullabies in an ancient tongue,
For the court of the crimson king.
The keeper of the city keys
Put shutters on the dreams.
I wait outside the pilgrims door
With insufficient schemes.
The black queen chants
The funeral march,
The cracked brass bells will ring;
To summon back the fire witch
To the court of the crimson king.
The gardener plants an evergreen
Whilst trampling on a flower.
I chase the wind of a prism ship
To taste the sweet and sour.
The pattern juggler lifts his hand;
The orchestra begin.
As slowly turns the grinding wheel
In the court of the crimson king.
On soft gray mornings widows cry
The wise men share a joke;
I run to grasp divining signs
To satisfy the hoax.
The yellow jester does not play
But gentle pulls the strings
And smiles as the puppets dance
In the court of the crimson king.
song performed by by King Crimson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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An Excellent New Song Being The Intended Speech Of A Famous Orator Against Peace
An orator dismal of Nottinghamshire,
Who has forty years let out his conscience to hire,
Out of zeal for his country, and want of a place,
Is come up, vi et armis, to break the queen's peace.
He has vamp'd an old speech, and the court, to their sorrow,
Shall hear him harangue against Prior to-morrow.
When once he begins, he never will flinch,
But repeats the same note a whole day like a Finch.
I have heard all the speech repeated by Hoppy,'
And, 'mistakes to prevent, I've obtained a copy.'
THE SPEECH
Whereas, notwithstanding I am in great pain,
To hear we are making a peace without Spain;
But, most noble senators, 'tis a great shame,
There should be a peace, while I'm Not-in-game.
The duke show'd me all his fine house; and the duchess
From her closet brought out a full purse in her clutches:
I talk'd of a peace, and they both gave a start,
His grace swore by G—d, and her grace let a f—t:
My long old-fashion'd pocket was presently cramm'd;
And sooner than vote for a peace I'll be damn'd.
But some will cry turn-coat, and rip up old stories,
How I always pretended to be for the Tories:
I answer; the Tories were in my good graces,
Till all my relations were put into places.
But still I'm in principle ever the same,
And will quit my best friends, while I'm Not-in-game.
When I and some others subscribed our names
To a plot for expelling my master King James,
I withdrew my subscription by help of a blot,
And so might discover or gain by the plot:
I had my advantage, and stood at defiance,
For Daniel was got from the den of the lions:
I came in without danger, and was I to blame?
For, rather than hang, I would be Not-in-game.
I swore to the queen, that the Prince of Hanover
During her sacred life would never come over:
I made use of a trope; that 'an heir to invite,
Was like keeping her monument always in sight.'
But, when I thought proper, I alter'd my note;
And in her own hearing I boldly did vote,
That her Majesty stood in great need of a tutor,
And must have an old or a young coadjutor:
For why; I would fain have put all in a flame,
Because, for some reasons, I was Not-in-game.
Now my new benefactors have brought me about,
And I'll vote against peace, with Spain or without:
Though the court gives my nephews, and brothers, and cousins,
And all my whole family, places by dozens;
Yet, since I know where a full purse may be found,
And hardly pay eighteen-pence tax in the pound:
Since the Tories have thus disappointed my hopes,
And will neither regard my figures nor tropes,
I'll speech against peace while Dismal's my name,
And be a true Whig, while I'm Not-in-game.
poem by Jonathan Swift
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The Challenge: A Court Ballad
I.
To one fair lady out of Court,
And two fair ladies in,
Who think the Turk and Pope a sport,
And wit and love no sin!
Come, these soft lines, with nothing stiff in,
To Bellenden, Lepell, and Griffin.
With a fa, la, la.
II.
What passes in the dark third row,
And what behind the scene,
Couches and crippled chairs I know,
And garrets hung with green;
I know the swing of sinful hack,
Where many damsels cry alack.
With a fa, la, la.
III.
Then why to Courts should I repair,
Where's such ado with Townsend?
To hear each mortal stamp and swear,
And every speech with 'Zounds' end;
To hear them rail at honest Sunderland,
And rashly blame the realm of Blunderland.
With a fa, la, la.
IV.
Alas! like Schutz I cannot pun,
Like Grafton court the Germans;
Tell Pickenbourg how slim she's grown,
Like Meadows run to sermons;
To court ambitious men may roam,
But I and Marlbro' stay at home.
With a fa, la, la.
V.
In truth, by what I can discern,
Of courtiers, 'twixt you three,
Some wit you have, and more may learn
From Court, than Gay or Me:
Perhaps, in time, you'll leave high diet,
To sup with us on milk and quiet.
With a fa, la, la.
VI.
At Leicester Fields, a house full nigh,
With door all painted green,
(A Milliner, I mean);
There may you meet us three to three,
For Gay can well make two of Me.
With a fa, la, la.
VII.
But should you catch the prudish itch,
And each become a coward,
Bring sometimes with you lady Rich,
And sometimes mistress Howard;
For virgins, to keep chaste, must go
Abroad with such as are not so.
With a fa, la, la.
VIII.
And thus, fair maids, my ballad ends;
God send the king safe landing;
And make all honest ladies friends
To armies that are standing;
Preserve the limits of those nations,
And take off ladies' limitations.
With a fa, la, la.
poem by Alexander Pope
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