Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VISIONS: 5, by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VISIONS: 5, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Down in a valley, by a forest's side
Last Line: So glorious flowers to live in such a shade.
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, William Of Tavistock
Subject(s): Flowers


DOWN in a valley, by a forest's side,
Near where the crystal Thames rolls on her waves,
I saw a mushroom stand in haughty pride,
As if the lilies grew to be his slaves;
The gentle daisy, with her silver crown,
Worn in the breast of many a shepherd's lass;
The humble violet, that lowly down
Salutes the gay nymphs as they trimly pass:
These, with a many more, methought, complain'd
That Nature should those needless things produce,
Which not alone the sun from others gain'd
But turn it wholly to their proper use.
I could not choose but grieve that Nature made
So glorious flowers to live in such a shade.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net