Ballad of Old-Time Lords (No. 1)

Where is Calixtus, third of the name,
That died in the purple whiles ago,
Four years since he to the tiar came ?
And the King of Aragon, Alfonso ?
The Duke of Bourbon, sweet of show,
And the Duke Arthur of Brittaine ?
And Charles the Seventh, the Good ? Heigho !
But where is the doughty Charlemaine ?

Likewise the King of Scots, whose shame
Was the half of his face (or folk say so),
Vermeil as amethyst held to the flame,
From chin to forehead all of a glow ?
The King of Cyprus, of friend and foe
Renowned ; and the gentle King of Spain,
Whose name, God 'ield me, I do not know ?
But where is the doughty Charlemaine?

Of many more might I ask the same,
Who are but dust that the breezes blow ;
But I desist, for none may claim
To stand against Death, that lays all low.
Yet one more question before I go :
Where is Lancelot, King of Bebaine ?
And where are his valiant ancestors, trow ?
But where is the doughty Charlemaine ?

Envoi
Where is Du Guesclin, the Breton prow ?
Where Auvergne's Dauphin and where again
The late good duke of Alençon ? Lo !
But where is the doughty Charlemaine ?