GIVE me a mask, I'll join the masquerade As country clown, so that the rabble rout Who in their proud disguises strut about May not suppose me one of their vile trade. Give me low manners, words on purpose made To show vulgarity beyond all doubt; All sparks of spirit I'll with care put out Wherewith dull fools coquet in accents staid. So will I dance then at the great mask'd ball, By German knights, monks, kings surrounded too, By Harlequin saluted, known to few. With wooden swords they'll strike me, one and all. That is the joke. For if I show my face, The rascals will be silenced in disgrace. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOROTHY DANCES by LOUIS UNTERMEYER THE POOL by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE WAVES OF BREFFNY by EVA GORE-BOOTH MODERN LOVE: 1 by GEORGE MEREDITH A WOMAN'S ANSWER by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER WOMAN'S WILL by JOHN GODFREY SAXE |