Longwindedness in prose and eke in rhyme I horribly abominate: that short Sharp, tranchant style of speaking is my forte In vogue through Sparta once upon a time. Thus, when King Philip, thinking it no crime, Requested from the proud Byzantine Court A passage for his navy through their port, Pour toute reponse they sent him one sublime, Brief, thundering NO!* How far above all mean, Small, sneaking, shuffling, diplomatic art Such answers soars! Then, Creditor of mine When we twain meet, and you commence a scene, And ask, " Pray, can you pay me even a part?" And I shout " NO!" count that intensely fine! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ANOTHER DARK LADY by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THE PRAYER PERFECT by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY MONNA INNOMINATA, A SONNET OF SONNETS: 12 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE THREAD OF LIFE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI TWILIGHT AT SEA by AMELIA B. WELBY TO THE NEW YEAR, 1823 by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE MYSTERIOUS GUEST by FOWLER BRADNACK |