Classic Poem

Once on a time he would have said
—Not all the ghouls of sorcery
Can make me hang a craven head
Nor shake a whimper out of me.

For I could top that sullen night,
Or outwear any woe that came,
And look on good or evil plight
As but the chances of a game.

But now a night-hag hath me down!
And I am staring, suddenly,
As one who wakens from renown
To staring notoriety—

The king his diadem shall wear!
The half-king wear what gaud he can
Until Time swings him by the hair,
No king at all, and scarce a man!