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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RONDEAU by FRANCOIS VILLON

First Line: GOD GIVE THIS MAN ETERNAL REST
Last Line: GOD GIVE THIS MAN ETERNAL REST.

GOD give this man eternal rest,
Light everlasting round him shed,
Whom during life no dainties fed,
Who scarce a parsley leaf possest,
But stript and shorn beard, eyebrows, crest,
As 'twere a turnip peeled and shred.
God give this man eternal rest.

Exiled by fortune's stern behest,
Struck down he was from heels to head,
Although 'I thence appeal,' he said--
A term in plainest words exprest--
God give this man eternal rest.



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