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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WOULD I KNEW! by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM

First Line: PLAYS A CHILD IN A GARDEN FAIR
Last Line: "WHAT IT IS THEY SAY AND DO!"
Subject(s): CHILDREN; CHILDHOOD;

PLAYS a child in a garden fair
Where the demigods are walking;
Playing unsuspected there
As a bird within the air,
Listens to their wondrous talking:
"Would I knew -- would I knew
What it is they say and do!"

Stands a youth at city-gate,
Sees the knights go forth together,
Parleying, superb, elate,
Pair by pair in princely state,
Lance and shield and haughty feather:
"Would I knew -- would I knew
What it is they say and do!"

Bends a man with trembling knees
By a gulf of cloudy border;
Deaf, he hears no voice from these
Winged shades he dimly sees
Passing by in solemn order:
"Would I knew -- O would I knew
What it is they say and do!"



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