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Robert W. Service

Robert W. Service

Fore-Warning

I’d rather be the Jester than the Minstrel of the King;
I’d rather jangle cap and bells than twang the stately harp;
I’d rather make his royal ribs with belly—laughter ring,
Than see him sitting in the suds and sulky as a carp.
I’d rather be the Court buffoon than its most high—browed sage:
So you who read, take head, take heed, —
Ere yet you turn my page.

Other works by Robert W. Service...
Breton Wife

A Wintertide we had been wed When Jan went off to sea; And now the laurel rose is red And I wait on the quay. His berthing boat I watch with dr…
A Character

How often do I wish I were What people call a character; A ripe and cherubic old chappie Who lives to make his fellows happ… With in his eyes a merry twinkle,
Tranquillity

Oh if it were not for my wife And family increase, How gladly would I close my life In monastery peace! A sweet and scented isle I know
 1
O Lovely Lie

I told a truth, a tragic truth That tore the sullen sky; A million shuddered at my sooth And anarchist was I. Red righteousness was in my word
Yellow

One pearly day in early May I wal… And saw, say half a mile away, a m… A dog was cowering to his will as… Upon a dozen ducks so still they s… When like a streak the dog dashed…
The Joy of Being Poor

Let others sing of gold and gear,… But oh, the days when I was poor,… When every dawn was like a gem, so… And I had but a single coat, and… When I would feast right royally…
 1
The Shooting of Dan McGraw

A bunch of the boys were whooping… In the Malamute saloon; The kid that handles the music—box Was hitting a jag—time tune; Back of the bar, in a solo game,
The Song of the Camp-Fire

Heed me, feed me, I am hungry, I… Boughs of balsam, slabs of cedar,… Heap them on me, let me hug them t… Roaring, soaring up to heaven as a… Bring me knots of sunny maple, sil…
Adventure

Out of the wood my White Knight c… His eyes were bright with a bitter… As I clung to his stirrup leather… For I was only a dreaming lad, Yet oh, what a wonderful faith I…
Agnostic Apology

I am a stout materialist; With abstract terms I can’t agree… And so I’ve made a little list Of words that don’t make sense to… To fool my reason I refuse,
Mazie's Ghost

In London City I evade For charming Burlington Arcade — For thee in youth I met a maid By name of Mazie, Who lost no time in telling me
My House

I have a house I’ve lived in long… I can’t recall my going in. 'Twere better bartered for a song Ere ruin, rot and rust begin. When it was fresh and fine and fai…
Lindy Lou

If the good King only knew, Lindy Lou, What a cherub child are you, It is true, He would step down from his throne…
My Chapel

In idle dream with pipe in hand I looked across the Square, And saw the little chapel stand In eloquent despair. A ruin of the War it was,
A Plea

Why need we newer arms invent, Poor peoples to destroy? With what we have let’s be content And perfect their employ. With weapons that may millions kil…



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