Classic Poem

( Ballade des dames du temps jadis )

Now say in what land is she,
Fair Flora of Rome? Again,
Where may Hypparchia be,
With Thais, in grace germane?
Where's Echo, than mortal slain
Fairer, a voice that goes
O'er river and meer of rain?
But where are the last year's snows?

And where is that learned Heloise
Whom Abelard loved in vain,
Losing at Saint Denys
Manhood in grievous pain?
And the queen who did ordain
For Buridan his repose,
Cast in a sack to Seine?
But where are the last year's snows!

The White Queen fair to see,
Whose song was a siren's strain;
Beatrix, Berthe, Alys;
Harembourges, who held le Mayne?
Joan, the good maid of Lorraine,
Burned by the English foes;
Virgin! where are they ta'en?
But where are the last year's snows!

ENVOI

Prince, of these women slain
Ask not this year — who knows
Where are they? — take the refrain:
But where are the last year's snows!