Classic Poem

I would that I were a mighty man,
Who ruled my kingdom and had men dig
Around my castle a moat so big
No long-legged mischief the space could span.
I would I could spread a noble feast
Where each hungry fellow should be my guest,
With all of the lads who were bold and gay.
And there it should always be said outright
That black was black and that white was white,
And life should be praised to the very last day.

I would that I were a valiant man.
Give me a steed and a saddle, O Fate,
A warrior's sword, a just debate,
And a foeman to conquer if I can!
And if I'm not named on the triumph day,
When the troops come back from the finished fray,
Among those who fell where the fight raged hot—
'T is all the same, if I fought without fear.
A man may advance though he be in the rear,
And slumber full soundly, although forgot.

But I'm not a man in these dreams remote.
No other lances than words I wield,
In poesy's tourney I bear a shield,
But the rest of the time wear an every-day coat.
I would I might sing on the sun-kissed heights,
Yet I dwell at home with the lesser lights,
Where Memory sings like a nightingale.
The neighbors no less may hear me rejoice;
When there's air in the lungs and a ring in the voice,
A song may ascend though it sound from the dale.