Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by CORINNE ROCKWELL SWAIN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by                    
First Line: The knight, before christmas, observed to his spouse
Last Line: "merry christmas to all, and to all a good knight!'"
Subject(s): Christmas; Gratuities; Nativity, The; Tips


The knight, before Christmas, observed to his spouse,
"I'm charmed with the service, all over the house!
The cook offers daily my favorite dishes;
The butler's a wonder at guessing my wishes;
The steward's all ginger, in spite of his years;
Wherever I glance, a retainer appears.
My barber excels in his deftness and speed;
The groom puts a satiny gloss on my steed;
My armor is scoured till it dazzles my sight,
My sword and my spear are abnormally bright.
The sentinels never are guilty of naps;
My varlets are constantly doffing their caps.
Dear Mother-in-law has abandoned her rages;
My squire alertly turns down the fresh pages.
Nurse Margery curtsies, the kitchen-wench bows;
The rustics raise marvelous porkers and cows.
My minstrel's loud carols resound with my fame;
The jester's quaint stories are never the same.
It's pleasant to note (though the date is but recent)
Our people all acting so awfully decent!
This shows us, my dear, that with common accord,
They're happy to serve so distinguished a lord."
But his lady replied, with a smile on her lips,
"The season approaches for holiday tips,
And your motto is plain, if you'll read it aright:
'Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good knight!'"





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