Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ROCOCO by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: BY STUDYING MY LADY'S EYES
Last Line: "SHE'LL WEARY OF YOU BY AND BY."
Subject(s): CARPE DIEM; FLOWERS;
BY studying my lady's eyes
I've grown so learned day by day,
So Machiavelian in this wise,
That when I send her flowers, I say

To each small flower (no matter what,
Geranium, pink, or tuberose,
Syringa, or forget-me-not,
Or violet) before it goes:

"Be not triumphant, little flower,
When on her haughty heart you lie,
But modestly enjoy your hour:
She'll weary of you by and by."



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