Poems (Proctor)/To the minstrel said the king

by Edna Dean Proctor

To the minstrel said the king,
 "Sing you mournful songs or glad?"
"Nay, sire, 'tis of life I sing;
 Gay to-day, to-morrow sad."

"Minstrel, tell us not of tears;
 Dulcet notes to joy belong."
"Nay, sire, he who sorrow fears
 Will not hear the sweetest song."