Classic Poem

I TAKE a tall cock's feather,
I stick it in my hat;
My hat has a bright green ribbon —
My heart is brighter than that.

What means the tall cock's feather?
Oh, that is a trumpet-sound,
It cries: My love is the best one
In all the country round.

And if thou know'st a better,
And if she smiles on thee,
Stick on a taller feather,
And come and tussle with me!

And then if I am beaten,
And I am down in the sand,
Still true to my position,
Long as I live, I'll stand.

And if thy girl is fairer,
Take her to town where she'll shine,
Take her to market and sell her,
For the village she's quite too fine.

And if thy girl is purer,
Then take her right to Rome,
And let her be sainted and worshipped, —
'T were selfish to keep her at home.