Classic Poem

(O N Her S IXTEENTH B IRTHDAY )

AN ACROSTIC

Fair Mistress Florence, would that I,
Like the troubadours of Italy,
Or sunny southern France, could sing:
Rhymes many to thy feet I'd bring.
E'en while they wore the sword they wrote,
Nor in red war less strongly smote
Casques — greaves — because, throughout the fray,
Each bore his mistress' favor gay.

Were I like them my pen should write,
On this, thy natal day so bright,
Ode suited to the fair event,
Dancing with youth and merriment.
Such should to sweet sixteen be sent.