The True Comedian

What if the road is rough, the dart Of mischance levelled at thy breast? Beyond the shudder and the smart, Canst thou not see the jest?

What if the arrow in the sling Was tipped with poison ere it flew? Since thine the hurt and thine the sting, Be thine the laughter too.

Canst thou not read the wit that lies Beneath the bold burlesque of Fate? Or art thou sick of parodies Who playest with love and hate?

What! take the stage again and gasp The comedy of self-control?-- Nay, better stand aside to grasp The humour of the whole.