Put away the painted masque
       A poet or of clown,
The judge’s wig , the warrior’s casque
       And ring the curtains down!

Some things were said and earnest and
       Some things were said in jest:
The princess had the whitest hand,
       The harlot's heart was best!

The prophet shouted loud and long—
       Who knows what he was saying?
The blind man starved a midst a throng
       Of honest people praying….

Now hang the masque upon the wall
       And ring the curtains down,
For shadows fall upon the hall 
       And silence on the town!