Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PASTORAL, by COLIN MUSET First Line: Morning poured its early ray Last Line: And good marriage I should lose.' | ||||||||
MORNING poured its early ray, As I rode upon a day, And across a meadow sped. Nigh to where my pathway led, There I found a Shepherdess Who did priceless charms possess: Early she her bed forsook, In the fields her pleasure took. Fair she was, and full of grace; Bowed I, gazing on her face, While her modest cheeks disclose Blushes sweeter than the rose. Scanty raiment had the lass As she sat upon the grass; Locks she had like shining gold, Waist a lover fain would hold; In all points supremely fair, Not a blemish anywhere. I dismount, and leave my steed On the meadow grass to feed. Then the Shepherdess in fear, When she saw me coming near, Called to Robin, 'Friend, I pray, Hither come without delay.' But I quickly cried, 'Young maid, Say no word, be not afraid. Listen, damsel, for I vow, That I deeply love you now.' Then her cheeks, so fresh and fair, With new blushes covered were; And I said, 'Sweet maid, anew All my love I proffer you. 'Robin plays his flute full well, But no money has to share; Mean the cottage where you dwell, Scant and poor the clothes you wear; Saddle, horse, and wealth have I-- At your will shall all be spent If, dear damsel, you comply, And to be my love consent.' Ne'er she paused; but chaste and wise, Thus the Shepherdess replies: 'Never in my life I heard Words so shameless and absurd; Great the pity were if I Such unseemly part should play, And good name and chastity For a stranger cast away. 'Yes, the folly would be great, Great the damage so to choose, For by it a worthy mate And good marriage I should lose.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TWO FUNERALS: 1. by LOUIS UNTERMEYER AMORETTI: 37 by EDMUND SPENSER ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 6. HYMN TO CHEERFULNESS by MARK AKENSIDE HILLS OF HOME by WITTER BYNNER THE HERB-LEECH by JOSEPH CAMPBELL |
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