Longwindedness in prose and eke in rhyme I horribly abominate: that short Sharp, tranchant style of speaking is my forte In vogue through Sparta once upon a time. Thus, when King Philip, thinking it no crime, Requested from the proud Byzantine Court A passage for his navy through their port, Pour toute reponse they sent him one sublime, Brief, thundering NO!* How far above all mean, Small, sneaking, shuffling, diplomatic art Such answers soars! Then, Creditor of mine When we twain meet, and you commence a scene, And ask, " Pray, can you pay me even a part?" And I shout " NO!" count that intensely fine! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAINT OF THE DISGUSTED BRITON IN THE STATES by GEORGE SANTAYANA LILAC: FIRST EMOTIONS OF LOVE by ROBERT BURNS THE CALL OF THE DESERT by EMILY BALDWIN SEEING A STRANGE WOMAN DEAD by A. G. BECKMANN TO E.C. MARCHANT ESQ. by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB THE SHEPHERD'S PIPE: FIRST ECLOGUE by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) PIETRO OF ABANO by ROBERT BROWNING |