W.B. Yeats (1865–1939). The Wild Swans at Coole. 1919.

37. The Saint and the Hunchback

Hunchback. STAND up and lift your hand and bless

A man that finds great bitterness

In thinking of his lost renown.

A Roman Caesar is held down

Under this hump.

Saint.God tries each man

According to a different plan.

I shall not cease to bless because

I lay about me with the taws

That night and morning I may thrash

Greek Alexander from my flesh,

Augustus Caesar, and after these

That great rogue Alcibiades.

Hunchback. To all that in your flesh have stood

And blessed, I give my gratitude,

Honoured by all in their degrees,

But most to Alcibiades.