A Vers de Societe Anthology :: ALL THINGS EXCEPT MYSELF I KNOW

ALL THINGS EXCEPT MYSELF I KNOW

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I KNOW when milk does flies contain;

I know men by their bravery;

I know fair days from storm and rain;

And what fruit apple-trees supply;

And from their gums the trees descry;

I know when all things smoothly flow;

I know who toil or idle lie;

All things except myself I know.

I know the doublet by the grain;

The monk beneath the hood can spy;

Master from man can ascertain;

I know the nun’s veiled modesty;

I know when sportsmen fables ply;

Know fools who scream and dainties stow;

Wine from the butt I certify;

All things except myself I know.

Know horse from mule by tail and mane;

I know their worth or high or low;

Bell, Beatrice, I know the twain;

I know each chance of cards and die;

I know what visions prophesy,

Bohemian heresies, I trow;

I know men of each quality;

All things except myself I know.

ENVOY

Prince, I know all things ’neath the sky,

Pale cheeks from those of rosy glow;

I know death whence can no man fly;

All things except myself I know.

FranÇois Villon.

Clyx.com

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