Model For The Laureate

On thrones from China to Peru

All sorts of kings have sat

That men and women of all sorts

proclaimed both good and great;

And what's the odds if such as these

For reason of the State

Should keep their lovers waiting,

Keep their lovers waiting?



Some boast of beggar-kings and kings

Of rascals black and white

That rule because a strong right arm

Puts all men in a fright,

And drunk or sober live at ease

Where none gainsay their right,

And keep their lovers waiting,

Keep their lovers waiting.



The Muse is mute when public men

Applaud a modern throne:

Those cheers that can be bought or sold,

That office fools have run,

That waxen seal, that signature.

For things like these what decent man

Would keep his lover waiting,

Keep his lover waiting?