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LADY asks the Minstrel’s rhyme.” A Lady asks? There was a time When musical as play-bell’s chime
 * To wearied boy,

That sound would summon dreams sublime
 * Of pride and joy.

But now the spell hath lost its sway, Life’s first-born fancies first decay, Gone are the plumes and pennons gay
 * Of young Romance;

There linger but her ruins gray,
 * And broken lance.

’Tis a new world—no more to maid, Warrior, or bard, is homage paid; The bay-tree’s, laurel’s, myrtle’s shade,
 * Men’s thoughts resign;

Heaven placed us here to vote and trade,
 * Twin tasks divine!