If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I, <br />What would it matter to me how the time might drag or fly? <br />_He_ would in sweaty anguish toil the days and night away, <br />And still not keep the prowling, growling, howling wolf at bay! <br />But, with my valiant bottle and my frouzy brevet-bride, <br />And my score of loyal cut-throats standing guard for me outside, <br />What worry of the morrow would provoke a casual sigh <br />If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I? <br /> <br />If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I, <br />To yonder gloomy boulevard at midnight I would hie; <br />'Stop, stranger! and deliver your possessions, ere you feel <br />The mettle of my bludgeon or the temper of my steel!' <br />He should give me gold and diamonds, his snuffbox and his cane-- <br />'Now back, my boon companions, to our brothel with our gain!' <br />And, back within that brothel, how the bottles they would fly, <br />If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I! <br /> <br />If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I, <br />We both would mock the gibbet which the law has lifted high; <br />_He_ in his meager, shabby home, _I_ in my roaring den-- <br />He with his babes around him, _I_ with my hunted men! <br />His virtue be his bulwark--my genius should be mine!-- <br />'Go fetch my pen, sweet Margot, and a jorum of your wine!' <br /> <br />* * * * * <br /> <br />So would one vainly plod, and one win immortality-- <br />If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I!<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/francois-villon/
