Classic Poem

" PRINCES ! — and you, most valorous,
Nobles and Barons of all degrees!
Hearken awhile to the prayer of us, —
Beggars that come from the over-seas!
Nothing we ask or of gold or fees;
Harry us not with the hounds we pray;
Lo, — for the surcote's hem we seize, —
Give us — ah! give us — but Yesterday!"

" Dames most delicate, amorous!
Damosels blithe as the belted bees!
Hearken awhile to the prayer of us, —
Beggars that come from the over-seas!
Nothing we ask of the things that please;
Weary are we, and worn, and gray;
Lo, — for we clutch and we clasp your knees, —
Give us — ah! give us — but Yesterday!"

" Damosels — Dames, be piteous!"
(But the dames rode fast by the roadway trees.)
" Hear us, O Knights magnanimous!"
(But the knights pricked on in their panoplies.)
Nothing they gat or of hope or ease,
But only to beat on the breast and say: —
" Life we drank to the dregs and lees;
Give us — ah! give us — but Yesterday!"

ENVOY .

Y OUTH , take heed to the prayer of these!
Many there be by the dusty way, —
Many that cry to the rocks and seas
" Give us — ah! give us — but Yesterday!