English Poetry. Robert William Service. Prelude (They say that rhyme and rhythm are). Роберт Уильям Сервис.

Robert William Service (Роберт Уильям Сервис)

Prelude (They say that rhyme and rhythm are)

They say that rhyme and rhythm are
Outmoded now.
I do not know, for I am far
From high of brow.
But if the twain you take away,
Since basely bred,
Proud Poetry, I dare to say,
Would scarce be read.

With humble heart I thus define
My rôle in rhyme:
Oh may I never write a line
That does not chime.
And though a verse be nigh as sweet
As honey-comb,
To please me, let it have the beat
Of metronome.

So to my modest muse I give
A grateful pen;
Of lowliness I sing, who live
With lowly men.
And though I never cease to grieve
Poetic lack,
I do my best,--please take or leave
A Verseman's Pack.

Robert William Service’s other poems:

1. Spanish Women
2. The Prospector
3. Pullman Porter
4. Abandoned Dog
5. The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill

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