Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE LADY, by CAROLINE CLIVE First Line: There was an ancient dwelling place Last Line: Of her old name and race. Alternate Author Name(s): V; Meysey-wigley, Caroline Subject(s): Childlessness | ||||||||
THERE was an ancient dwelling-place, The home of English Squires; An ancient Lady dwelt therein, -- She had it from her Sires. Her purse was fill'd with gold I trow, Her house with household store; And when the neighbours' pelf wax'd low, They came to her for more. She gave her gold -- she sought the sick, And ask'd them of their harm; Forth walking with her Bible-book, Her basket on her arm. She lov'd them all, and they lov'd her With good old loyalty; And when she wax'd so faint and old, They griev'd that she must die. "Alack!" they cried, "we'll pray for her, That she may come about; She's been a friend for fifty years, We cannot do without." But yet the good old Lady died, And woe was all her land; They put the shroud about her face, And rosemary in her hand. They plac'd her in her own old hall, The Servants stood around; The Church-bells, as they bore her forth, Toll'd out a heavy sound. Old folks and young were come to see, -- Of tears there was no lack; The Tenants walk'd behind in pairs, Each in a suit of black. They laid her in her father's vault, 'Mid coffins many a one; The Parson said his holy words, And they made fast the stone. That stone will never more be rais'd, Now she has got her place; That childless Lady was the last Of her old name and race. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BIRTHDAY POEM FOR A CHILDLESS MAN by CAROLYN KIZER NO BABY IN THE HOUSE by CLARA G. DOLLIVER FLOWERS FOR THE HEART by EBENEZER ELLIOTT NOSTALGIA by MYRTLE HILL ERDMANN |
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