Classic Poem

Proud Leon sits beside his bride,
His chariot manned by Nubian grooms, —
His lady rustling in the pride
Of stuffs of foreign looms.

Secure, important, and serene,
The master of a wide domain,
He looks abroad with lordly mien, —
This once poor shepherd swain.

You scarce would think to see him now,
In all his grandeur puffed and full,
He e'er had guided flock or plough
In simple, homespun wool.

The chain of gold is still a chain; —
There may be moments he would pay
The bulk of all his marvelous gain
For what has passed away!