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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS A CROWN'
Last Line: THE HEAD CONFINED WITHIN A STOVEPIPE HAT!
Subject(s): PRESIDENTS, UNITED STATES; TAFT, WILLIAM HOWARD (1957-1930);

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."
But crowns, I hear, are open at the top.
The fear, the fret, the worry, and the frown
Arise in such a head, but need not stop.

On crowned heads the airs of heaven blow
With due respect and soothing reverence;
Whatever fever lurks in brains below,
Through open crowns the breezes bear it thence.

But, ah! what sizzling frets and torrid fumes,
Like bacon frying in its own hot fat --
What fireless-cooker misery consumes
The head confined within a stovepipe hat!



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