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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AT THE CONVENT GATE, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wistaria blossoms trail and fall Last Line: To 'watch the ways of men.' Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin | |||
WISTARIA blossoms trail and fall Above the length of barrier wall, And softly, now and then, The shy, staid-breasted doves will flit From roof to gateway-top, and sit And watch the ways of men. The gate's ajar. If one might peep! Ah, what a haunt of rest and sleep The shadowy garden seems! And note how dimly to and fro The grave, gray-hooded Sisters go, Like figures seen in dreams. Look, there is one that tells her beads; And yonder one apart that reads A tiny missal's page; And see, beside the well, the two That, kneeling, strive to lure anew The magpie to its cage! Not beautiful -- not all! But each With that mild grace, outlying speech, Which comes of even mood; -- The Veil unseen that women wear With heart-whole thought, and quiet care, And hope of higher good. 'A placid life -- a peaceful life! What need to these the name of Wife? What gentler task (I said) -- What worthier -- e'en your arts among -- Than tend the sick, and teach the young, And give the hungry bread?' 'No worthier task!' re-echoes She, Who (closelier clinging) turns with me To face the road again: -- And yet, in that warm heart of hers, She means the doves', for she prefers To 'watch the ways of men.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GAGE D'AMOUR by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON A GARDEN SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW; IN MEMORIAM by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON IN AFTER DAYS; RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE BALLAD OF PROSE AND RHYME by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON WHEN THERE IS PEACE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
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