Forthwith the powers and dignities

Forthwith the powers and dignities Proclaim a truce of God, and seek Through all their ancient treasuries A garb of pattern true antique. Not easy sits the classic mode Upon the tender modern frame, And some do chafe beneath their load, Some bear it with a look of shame. Soon over all the games prevail, Right well the beast doth play his part; So doth the martyr, too—each wail Sounds as it issued from the heart!