THE DUKE'S EXEQUY
Let them sweep the houses clean:
Their fathers did, I ween,
When hearing of my nearing
As a guest!
"As by Halifax ye sail
And the steamship England hail,
Of me, then, bespeak her men;
She took my latest mail,—
'T was somewhere near this spot:
Doubtless they've not forgot.
Remind them (if you find them!)
Once again.
"Yet that you all may know
Who is 't that hailed you so,
(Slow he saith, and under breath,)
I leave my sign below!"
Then from our crowded hold
A dreadful cry uprolled,
Unbroken, and the token,—
It was Death.
THE DUKE'S EXEQUY
Arras, A. D. 1404
Clothed in sable, crowned with gold,
All his wars and councils ended,
Philip lay, surnamed The Bold:
Passing-bell his quittance tolled,
And the chant of priests ascended.
Mailèd-knights and archers stand,
Thronging in the church of Arras;
Nevermore at his command
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