Classic Poem

Dancing feet for palace floors
Of enameled glow;
Through the carven ivory doors
Debonairly go;
Feast it whether the red wine flow
Sweet or bitter, for we know
Guests must trust the hand that pours.
Manners ho!

Knights of rueful countenance
Gloom the amber hall
Where in praise of Dame Romance
Dulcet harpings fall.
Turn your wounds against the wall;
Cover, when the revels call,
Bleeding heart with laughing glance,
Gentles all.

Should your spear in tourney break,
Be the first to weave
Garlands for the victor's sake;
And, at shut of eve,
If the usher touch your sleeve,
Gracefully the hint receive.
Kiss your hand to Life and take
Courtly leave.