All honesty has died I fear,
Words jest and play with all held dear.
I bow to court and so depart,
Clowns laugh and joke and play their part.
Royalty decreed it so,
Some observe while others throw
Clubs that juggle in the air,
Miss and hit, such talent rare.
To aim and wound and laugh at all,
Cruellest gift, no gift at all.
Rather act as Pierrot,
Wailing love’s departure,
Than betray all thought and feelings so
In silent mimicked rapture.