Classic Poem

The Unrepentant

Now my time has come to die,
Good, my masters, hear,
This a sinner's litany,
Shocking to your ear:
Life hath played for me to dance
Up and down the line—
(Eh, I paid the fiddler, sirs,
But the dance was fine!)

Love came swinging to my call—
Black-eyed love and bold;
Gave me scarlet lips to kiss,
Both her hands to hold.
Fast and faster fell our feet
To the music's beat—
(Eh, I paid the fiddler, sirs,
But the dance was sweet!)

I have danced it through the world—
Ah, the merry tune!
Danced the red sun down the West,
Danced away the moon.
Could I cavil at the price?
Out on souls so mean!
(Eh, I paid the fiddler, sirs,
But the dance was keen!)

Beggared now, my masters all,
Cry your cold dispraise;
Raise your eyes and count your gold,
Trudge your dreary ways.
I, the pauper, richer far,
Envy not nor pine—
(Eh, I paid the fiddler, sirs,
But the dance—was mine!)English