Classic Poem

What? Wouldst thou see my puppet-show—
Life and the world in miniature?
That privilege you may secure,
But do not stand too close, you know.
'Tis only by love's gentle light
Or Cupid's torch-flame seen aright.

Yes, look! The stage is never bare:
Behold the little child in arms,
The bouncing boy, the boisterous youngster's charms,
The upgrown fighting man, who all will dare.

Each has his own success in mind.
But narrow is th' appointed way:
The axles smoke, the chariots sway,
The hero pushes on, the weakling lags behind;
Pride meets with an amusing fall,
And the judicious conquers all.

And at the goal behold fair woman stands,
With fairy fingers and with eyes that plead,
Ready to give the conqueror his meed.