An Officer Dances for a Duke

With mind indifferent, things I easy take.

In every dance I prompt appearance make: -

Then, when the sun is at his topmost height;

There, in the place that courts the public sight

With figure large I in the courtyard dance,

And the duke smiles, when he beholds me prance.

A tiger's strength I have; the steed's, swift bound;

The reins as ribbons in my hands are found.

See how I hold the flute in my left hand;

In right the pheasant's plume, waved like a wand;

With visage red, where rouge you think to trace,

While the duke pleased, sends down the cup of grace.

Anonymous