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BALLAD: THE DAMES OF THE OLDEN TIME, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Say where-in what region be
Last Line: But--where are the last year's snows?
Alternate Author Name(s): Montcorbier, Francois De


I

SAY where--in what region be
Flora, that fair Roman dame,
Hipparchia where, and Thais, she
Who doth kindred beauty claim?
Echo where? who back the same
Voice from lake and river throws,
Lovely beyond human frame:
But--where are the last year's snows?

II

Where is the learned Heloise,
For whom Abelard was fain
As a monk to end his days?
Such the meed his love did gain.
In like way, where is the Queen
Who Buridan in sack did close,
And had him tossed into the Seine?
But--where are the last year's snows?

III

Queen Blanche, white as lily is,
Who used to sing with siren strain;
Bertha, Alice, Beatrice,
Ermengarde who held the Maine,
Joan, blessed maiden of Lorraine,
At Rouen burnt by English foes,
Where are they, O Virgin Queen?
But--where are the last year's snows?

IV

Prince, nor in a week or year
Bid me where they be disclose,
Lest you still this burden hear,
But--where are the last year's snows?





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