Classic Poem

Not long ago, as I at supper sat,
Whereas indeed I had exceeding cheer,
In order serv'd, with store of this and that,
With flaggons fill'd with wine, and ale and beer
I did behold, (that well set out the rest!)
A troop of dames in brave attire addrest —

Now gan I guess, by outward countenance.
The disposition of each dainty dame:
And though, perhaps, I missed some by chance
I hit some right, I do not doubt the same
But shall I tell of each one what I guest?
No, fie! for why? fond tattling breeds unrest.

But let them be such as they were! by chance
Our banquet done we had our music by,
And then, you know, the youth must needs go dance
First, galliards; then larousse; and heidegy;
Old lusty gallant; " all flow'rs of the bloom;
And then a hall! for dancers must have room.

And to it then; with set, and turn about,
Change sides and cross, and mince it like a hawk;
Backwards and forwards, take hands then, in and out;
And now and then, a little wholesome talk,
That none could hear, close rowned in the ear;
Well! I say nought; but much good sport was there.

Then might my minion hear her mate at will:
But, God forgive all such as judge amiss!
Some men, I know, would soon imagine ill
By secret spying of some knavish kiss:
But let them leave such jealousy for shame!
Dancers must kiss: the law allows the same.

And, when friends meet, some merry sign must pass
Of welcoming unto each other's sight:
And for a kiss that's not so much, alas!
Dancers, besides, may claim a kiss of right
After the dance is ended, and before.
But some will kiss upon kiss; that goes sore.

But what? I had almost myself forgot
To tell you on of this same gentle crew;
Some were alas, with dancing grown so hot,
As some must sit; while others danced anew;
And thus forsooth our dancing held us on
Till midnight full; high time for to be gone.

But to behold the graces of each dame!
How some would dance as though they did but walk;
And some would trip, as though one leg were lame;
And some would mince it like a sparrow-hawk;
And some would dance upright as any bolt;
And some would leap and skip like a young colt!

And some would fidge, as though she had the itch;
And some would bow half crooked in the joints;
And some would have a trick; and some a twitch;
Some shook their arms, as they had hung up points;
With thousands more that were too long to tell
But made me laugh my heart sore I wot well.

But let them pass: and now sir we must part;
" I thank you, sir, for my exceeding cheer" —
Welcome (quoth the good man) " with all my heart;
" In faith the market serves but ill to year,
When one could not devise more neat to dress. —
Jesus! (thought I) what means this foolishness?

But let that pass. — Then parting at the door
Believe me now, it was a sport to see
What stir there was, who should go out before;
Such curtsies low, with " Pray you pardon me —
You shall not choose — In faith you are to blame. —
Goodsooth! (thought I) a man would think the same!

Now being forth (with much ado) at last,
Then part they all; each one unto their house;
And who had mark'd the pretty looks that past
From privy friend unto his pretty mouse,
Would say with me, at twelve o'clock at night
It was a parting trust me worth the sight.

But let them part, and pass in God his name!
God speed them well, I pray, and me no worse!
Some are gone home with dancing almost lame;
And some go light by means of empty purse;
And to be short, home goeth every one
And home go I unto my lodge alone.