Classic Poem

Give me the vizard—I will mask me eke
As some poor beggar, that the rogues who show
So bravely in historic domino
May never dream that I am of their clique.
And like the rabble let me act and speak,
To show myself the lowest of the low,
Disclaiming all the spirit's fire and glow,
In dalliance with varlets vain and weak.
Thus will I dance at the great fancy-ball
With knights, monks, kings around, a motley crew,
Welcomed by harlequin though known to few,
Belaboured by the wooden swords of all.
Aye, there's the joke! for should my masking cease,
Then all this gallows-gang must hold their peace.