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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLAD: THE KNIGHTS OF THE OLDEN TIME by FRANCOIS VILLON

Poem Explanation

First Line: WHO NEXT? - THE THIRD CALIXTUS, WHERE
Last Line: BUT--WHERE THE PEERLESS CHARLEMAGNE?
I

WHO next?--The third Calixtus, where
He who the last assumed the name,
And four years Rome's tiara bare;
Alphonso, King of mighty fame;
The Bourbon Duke devoid of blame;
And Arthur Duke of proud Bretaigne;
Charles, who the title 'Good' doth claim;--
But--where the peerless Charlemagne?

II

Or of the Scottish king declare,
Half of whose face--so tales proclaim--
Did like a scarlet ruby glare--
All e'en from brow to chin the same;
That King of Cyprus, known to fame,
Alas! and the good King of Spain,
Of whom I not recall the name?
But--where the peerless Charlemagne?

III

To cite more heroes I forbear,
'Tis useless labour to declaim;
None against death victorious are;
No skill can ward his fatal aim.
Yet one more question will I frame,
Lancelot, the monarch of Behaigne,
Where is he, and his race of fame?
But--where the peerless Charlemagne?

ENVOY

Where claquin, now, that Breton rare?
Where the Count Dauphin of Auvergne?
Or Alencon's good Duke, say where?
But--where the peerless Charlemagne?



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