A Jester Arrayed In Burning Gold

Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'

We are not now that strength which in old day

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are

One equal temper of heroic hearts

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield

Share not the cup I have wantonly sipped

The cradle that has been finally tipped

In fool’s garb do I before thee appear

With signs and sounds fit for stirring fear

Yet the mask hides what is truly between

My emerald eyes and the jewels that are seen

First we eat, then we drink

Then we sing ourselves hoarse

To the ever brightening sun

Tread ye not, now, where I have failed

That spirit has flown, that ship has sailed

My feet have failed to dance the steps

And for bare bones I have loved and wept

Arrayed am I in burning, trojan gold

For the sake of he who’s name I hold

First we eat, then we drink

Then we sing ourselves hoarse

To the ever brightening sun