Читать книгу Bar-Room Ballads - Robert William Service - Страница 3

Fore-warning

I’d rather be the Jester than the Minstrel of the King;

I’d rather jangle cap and bells than twang the stately harp;

I’d rather make His royal ribs with belly-laughter ring,

Than see him sitting in the suds and sulky as a carp.

I’d rather be the Court buffoon than its most highbrowed sage:

So you who read, take heed, take heed—

Ere yet you turn my page.