C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Madison Cawein (1865–1914)

WE have no castles,

We have no vassals,

We have no riches, no gems and no gold;

Nothing to ponder,

Nothing to squander:

Let us go wander

As minstrels of old.

You with your lute, love,

I with my flute, love,

Let us make music by mountain and sea;

You with your glances,

I with my dances,

Singing romances

Of old chivalry.

“Derry down derry!

Good folk, be merry!

Hither, and hearken where happiness is!—

Never go borrow

Care of to-morrow,

Never go sorrow

While life hath a kiss.”

Let the day gladden

Or the night sadden,

We will be merry in sunshine or snow;

You with your rhyme, love,

I with my chime, love,

We will make time, love,

Dance as we go.

Nothing is ours,

Only the flowers,

Meadows, and stars, and the heavens above;

Nothing to lie for,

Nothing to sigh for,

Nothing to die for

While still we have love.

“Derry down derry!

Good folk be merry!

Hither, and hearken a word that is sooth:—

Care ye not any

If ye have many

Or not a penny,

If still ye have youth!”