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...GOLD COAST CUSTOMS by EDITH SITWELL THE COUNTESS CATHLEEN IN PARADISE by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS RESOLUTION OF DEPENDENCE by GEORGE BARKER EPIGRAM: PERJURY by ROBERT NUGENT MR. FLOOD'S PARTY by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON ON THE RHINE by MATTHEW ARNOLD |