Classic Poem

Louis XI.

Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

Our old King Louis, hid in yonder towers,
Whose name we breathe all gently and in fear,
Essays to smile, now Spring puts out fresh flowers,
Upon our gambols here.

Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

Whilst on our sward we laugh, and sing, and love,
Stern Louis keeps himself close prisoner there:
The high he fears — the low — nay, God above;
But most, his hapless heir.
Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

Look, where a hundred halberds strike the eye,
Beneath our sunny heaven, so soft and clear!
Hark, whilst the guards their watchful challenge cry,
Bolts grating on the ear!

Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

He comes — the lowliest cotter's peace of mind
Such king, alas! with envy might regard
Like a pale phantom, mark him there, behind
Yon window, thickly barred!

Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

How would the monarch's form before us stand,
Pictured in brilliant images! but now —
See, for the sceptre a weak trembling hand!
For crown a troubled brow!
Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
VRejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

He quakes, he's troubled; all in vain we sing:
'Tis but the clock that chimes the passing hour;
Yet ever thus 'tis taken by the King
For sign from 'larum tower.

Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!

Look, with his favorite where he glides away;
Alas! our mirth but drives him to despair:
Deadly his hate! " he smiled on us, " we'll say,
" With kind, paternal air. "
Happy villagers, dance around!
Lads and lasses, gaily bound!
Rejoice, rejoice,
O pipe and voice,
In a mingled, merry sound!