Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLADE D'AUJOURD'HUI, by COATES CHAPMAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLADE D'AUJOURD'HUI, by                    
First Line: Bygone troubadours, grave and gay
Last Line: Here's to the singer who sings to-day!
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Rhyme; Singing & Singers; Songs


BYGONE troubadours, grave and gay,
Minstrels and jongleurs, high and low,
Faith, you fill us with swift dismay,
Dull old poets of long ago!
Worn and threadbare your fancies show
In the light of our modern way, —
Who hath a care for "last year's snow"?
Here's to the Singer who sings To-day!

Meek Griseldas no longer sway;
Fawn-like Chloes — how scarce they grow!
Curious taste your rhymes display,
Dull old poets of long ago!
Does Leander drown for his Hero? — No.
She'd pull him ashore without delay,
Kate is a match for Petruchio, —
Here's to the Singer who sings To-day!

Kerchiefs and zones are quite passes;
Glycera's eyeglass bids you glow —
Lydia's gaiter, chaste and gray:
Dull old poets of long ago,
Julia's graces would bore one so!
Sylvia's taken to cycling, — nay,
Pegasus now is a trifle slow, —
Here's to the Singer who sings To-day!

Envoi

Sweet, fling scorn at them, row on row;
Dull old poets of long ago!
Seek you a forehead to fit your bay?
Here's to the Singer who sings To-day!





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