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