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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A GOOSE by ROBERT SOUTHEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF THOU DIDST FEED ON WESTERN PLAINS OF YORE
Last Line: SEASONED WITH SAGE AND ONIONS, AND PORT WINE.
Subject(s): GEESE;
If thou didst feed on western plains of yore;
Or waddle wide with flat and flabby feet
Over some Cambrian mountain's plashy moor;
Or find in farmer's yard a safe retreat
From gypsy thieves, and foxes sly and fleet;
If thy gray quills, by lawyer guided, trace
Deeds big with ruin to some wretched race,
Or love-sick poet's sonnet, sad and sweet,
Wailing the rigor of his lady fair;
Or if, the drudge of housemaid's daily toil,
Cobwebs and dust thy pinions white besoil,
Departed Goose! I neither know nor care.
But this I know, that we pronounced thee fine,
Seasoned with sage and onions, and port wine.





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