Classic Poem

And hast thou indeed such disdaining,
To hold thy head so high?
In pride from one swift glance abstaining,
You pass me by.

I recall the days—it were choices
To us sweeter than rhymes,
To freely mingle our lips and voices,
In happier times.

You have gone up higher, but I lower,
And it is much, Kitty,
Queen-like to give scorn, but more,
To give pity.

And wearers, (for such is human strife)
Of poverty or crowns,
Pride is not best, so full is this life,
Of ups and downs.

And thy lot, proud heart, may be fair,
Which chance has left thee in;
But pass not disdainingly where
Thy love has been.