Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLAD: THE THINGS OF NO ACCOUNT, by FRANCOIS VILLON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLAD: THE THINGS OF NO ACCOUNT, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: I know when milk does flies contain
Last Line: All things except myself I know.
Alternate Author Name(s): Montcorbier, Francois De
Variant Title(s): All Things Except Myself I Know
Subject(s): Cynicism


I

I KNOW when milk does flies contain;
I know men by their bravery;
I know fair days from storm and rain;
And what fruit apple trees supply;
And from their gums the trees descry;
I know when all things smoothly flow;
I know who toil or idle lie;
All things except myself I know.

II

I know the doublet by the grain;
The monk beneath the hood can spy;
Master from man can ascertain;
I know the nun's veiled modesty;
I know when sportsmen fables ply,
Know fools who creams and dainties stow;
Wine from the butt I certify;
All things except myself I know.

III

Know horse from mule by tail and mane,
I know their worth or high or low;
Bell, Beatrice, I know the twain,
I know each chance of cards and die;
I know what visions prophesy,
Bohemian heresies, I trow;
I know men of each quality;
All things except myself I know.

ENVOY

Prince, I know all things 'neath the sky,
Pale cheeks from those of rosy glow,
I know death whence can no man fly;
All things except myself I know.





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