Classic Poem

If I had ridden horses in the lists,
Fought wars, gone pilgrimage to fabled lands,
Seen Pharaoh's drinking cups of amethysts,
Held dead Queens' secret jewels in my hands—
I would have laid my triumphs at your feet,
And worn with no ignoble pride my scars…
But I can only offer you, my sweet,
The songs I made on many a night of stars.

Yet have I worshipped honour, loving you;
Your graciousness and gentle courtesy,
With ringing and romantic trumpets blew
A mighty music through the heart of me,—
A joy as cleansing as the wind that fills
The open spaces on the sunny hills.