IN the minstrels' strife engaging Pass the Minnesingers by; Strange the war that they are waging, Strange the tourney where they vie. Fancy, that for battle nerves him, Is the Minnesinger's steed; Art as trusty buckler serves him, And his word's a sword indeed. Beauteous dames, with glances pleasant, From the balcony look down; But the right one is not present With the proper laurel crown. Other combatants, when springing To the lists, at least are sound; Minnesingers must be bringing To the fray a deadly wound. He from whom the most there draineth Song's blood from the inmost breast, -- He is victor, and obtaineth From fair lips the praise most blest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NEGRO DANCERS by CLAUDE MCKAY UPON A DYING LADY by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS EMERSON by MARY ELIZABETH MAPES DODGE TO MR. THOMAS SOUTHERNE, ON HIS BIRTHDAY, 1742 by ALEXANDER POPE THE IDEA by AGNES MARY F. ROBINSON TO THE GALLIC EAGLE by BERNARD BARTON VERSES SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN IN A BURIAL-GROUND .. SOCIETY OF FRIENDS by BERNARD BARTON |