Wouldst thou give me a heavy jewelled crown And purple mantle and embroidered vest? Dear Child, the colours of the glorious west Are far more gorgeous when the sun sinks down. The diadem would only make me frown With its own weight; nay, give me for my crest Pale violets dreaming in perfect rest, Or rather leaves withered to Autumn brown. A purple flowing mantle would but hinder My careless walk, and an embroidered robe Would shame me: what is the best man who stepped On earth, more than the naked worm that crept Over its surface? Earth shall be a cinder; Where shall be then the beauty of the globe? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONG TO THE MEN OF ENGLAND by THOMAS CAMPBELL SECOND OPINION by STEPHEN CUSHMAN SANTORIN (A LEGEND OF THE AEGEAN) by JAMES ELROY FLECKER THE QUANGLE WANGLE'S HAT by EDWARD LEAR THE STORY OF ZERBIN AND ISABELLA, FR. ORLANDO FURIOSO by LUDOVICO (LODOVICO) ARIOSTO LILIES: 16. MY GIFT by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) NO SORROW PECULIAR TO THE SUFFERER by VINCENT BOURNE |