Classic Poem

Your worthy father was an ass,
As all the world is well aware;
Your mother was of better stock:
A thoroughbred and gallant mare.

You are a mule and cannot change,
Although you find the fact a trial;
But that there's horse-blood in your veins
You can maintain against denial:

From proud Bucephalus himself
Can vaunt descent; devoutly raiding,
Your forebears bore to Palestine
The hosts of Christendom, crusading.

And as your kinsman you can claim
The high white steed in blood who trod
'Neath mighty Godfrey de Bouillon,
The day he took the town of God:

Can pose as cousin to Bayard,
And hold, though evidence be scanty,
It was your aunt Don Quixote rode,
The hero-hearted Rosinante.

That your connection is as close
With Sancho's donkey, do not tell;
And even the ass that bore our Lord
You must, of course, deny as well.

Nor need your coat of arms display
An ass's ear. Assert your worth;
For just as you esteem yourself
You'll be esteemed upon the earth.