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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE POET AND THE CAGED TURTLEDOVE, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: As often as I murmur here
Last Line: I feel, but to inspire.
Subject(s): Turtledoves
First Line: As often as I murmur here
Last Line: I feel, but to inspire.
Subject(s): Turtledoves
AS often as I murmur here
My half-formed melodies,
Straight from her osier mansion near,
The Turtledove replies:
Though silent as a leaf before,
The captive promptly coos;
Is it to teach her own soft lore,
Or second my weak Muse?
I rather think, the gentle Dove
Is murmuring a reproof,
Displeased that I from lays of love
Have dared to keep aloof;
That I, a Bard of hill and dale,
Have carolled, fancy free,
As if nor dove nor nightingale,
Had heart or voice for me.
If such thy meaning, O forbear,
Sweet Bird! to do me wrong;
Love, blessed Love, is everywhere
The spirit of my song:
'Mid grove, and by the calm fireside,
Love animates my lyre --
That coo again! -- 'tis not to chide,
I feel, but to inspire.
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