Explore "An Impromptu" by Thomas James Wise on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
And darest thou thyself compare / With one who quaffs at Helicon; / Whose playfellows the Muses are, / And whom Apollo calleth son? / Who, had he lived in olden day, / With some fierce host had strode along; / Like Taillefer to Hasting's fray, / Cheering the Normans with his song.
The laurel wreath Apollo gave / I would not change for kingly crown; / A King is but an exalted slave, / Rebellion soon may hurl him down. / But who can force me from the height / Whereto I've soared on Eagle's wing? / I leave to Monarchs ceaseless fright / For what the coming day may bring.
Though poor I be, I've Minstrelsy, / When fortune frowns I'll strike my lyre; / Against the world's inclemency / 'Twill warm my soul with heavenly fire. / Then wonder not if proud the air / Of one who's high Apollo's son; / Nor henceforth dare thyself compare / With one who quaffs at Helicon.