Classic Poem

Yes, let Art go, if it must be
That with it men must starve—
If Music, Painting, Poetry
Spring from the wasted hearth.

Pluck out the flower, however fair,
Whose beauty cannot bloom
(However sweet it be, or rare)
Save from a noisesome tomb.

These social manners, charm and ease
Are hideous to who knows
The degradation, the disease
From which their beauty flows.

So, Poet, must thy singing be;
O Painter, so thy scene;
Musician, so thy melody,
While misery is queen.

Nay, brothers, sing us battle-songs
With clear and ringing ryme;
Nay, show the world its hateful wrongs,
And bring the better time!