Classic Poem

I

T O K ARIN, AFTER She HAD D ANCED

Of noble blossoms will I wind thee
A wreath to crown thy beauteous hair,
And of my love too will I bind thee
A garland thou for aye shalt wear.

With my two hands myself will twine it
About the head so dear to me,
To crown thy gray hair and enshrine it
In days when I no more shall be.

As in the dance my love was gliding,
How fair! how young! but never gay, —
So in this wreath a thorn is hiding,
And poison taints the flowers alway.

I see a drop of blood now quiver
And o'er my darling's forehead flow,
Alas! there's pain in all I give her;
My gift brings ill, my wreath brings woe.

II

T O K ARIN, IN P RISON

Wet me with tears, oh, judge not by rules, —
Fool that I am, a fool among fools.

Fair was my crown and my kingdom was great,
I was a king, — yea, an emperor's mate.

Splintered my kingdom and shattered my crown,
In this dark cell for my sins I atone.

I'd loyal subjects and kinsmen and friends,
Blood of my kinsfolk now darkens my hands.

Faithful my men went to war with my foes,
Faithful drew sword when the battle-tide rose.

Fair to the market the peasant girls came,
Up to my castle I dragged them to shame.

Last I found you, when misfortune was rife;
Spring was despoiled to give autumn new life.

Oft have you poured bitter tears on my breast;
Judge me not, judge me not, — cover the rest!

III

K ING E RIC 's L AST S ONG

What use to shout, what help in weeping,
King John and God have me in keeping.
King John has bound me fast in chains,
But by God's grace this hope remains:
Thy body is thy prison cell,
And would'st thou there no longer dwell,
Jump and dash out thy foolish brains!