Classic and Contemporary Poetry
RINALDO, by HENRY PETERSON First Line: Bring me a cup of good red wine Last Line: Have died upon the tree. | ||||||||
BRING me a cup of good red wine To drink before I die; Though earthly joys I must resign, I'll breathe no earthly sigh. I've lived a bold and robber life, I've had on earth my way, For with the gun or with the knife, I made mankind obey. My mother's name, my father's race, Though he was false, she true, It matters not -- they sleep in peace. What more can I or you? They sleep in peace, though swords flashed wild Around my infant head, And I was left an orphan child, An outcast's path to tread. Men are but grapes upon the vine; My vine was planted where Nor hand did tend, nor warm sun shine, And mildew filled the air. I was a robber brave and bold. I did not, in the mart, Lie, cheat, and steal with purpose cold. Mine was too frank a heart. All men are robbers, -- all who win, And get more than their due; Though solemn phrases veil the sin, The thief's eye glances through. The world denied me gold and land, And love which all men crave; I took the first with strong right hand, The last I left a slave. And though the tiger's caged at length, -- Who made him such God knows, -- He can but fail who measures strength Against a world of foes. Then bring a cup of rich red wine Before the bell tolls three, For better men than I and mine Have died upon the tree. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FAIRY TALE by KATHERINE MANSFIELD CLAY BISON IN A CAVE by CLARENCE MAJOR THE VOYAGE TO VINLAND: 3. GUDRIDA'S PROPHECY by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL BURIAL by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY UNDER THE SHADE OF THE TREES [MAY 10, 1863] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON A RHYMED REVIEW; 'LAUGHING MUSE' (BY ARTHUR GUITERMAN) by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS LITTLE JOHN AND THE RED FRIAR; A LAY OF SHERWOOD by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |
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