[Immense, spontaneous, uncontrollable applause

sweeps like a whirlwind through the court.

An Unknown Minstrel (breaking in unheralded).

Tender the phrase, and faint the melody,

When poets praise a maiden’s purity;

Platitude linked to imbecility.

[Murmurs of surprise.

As ’mongst spring’s sprigs sprouts sunshine’s constant face;

Or as a mill grinds on, with steady pace;

So sprouts, so grinds, the unblushing commonplace.