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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SONG OF THE GREENWAY CHILD by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS I WENT A-WALKING ON LAVENDER HILL
Last Line: AND I FOUND MYSELF SAFE IN MY GRANDFATHER'S-CHAIR!
Subject(s): CHILDREN; GREENAWAY, CATHERINE (KATE) (1846-1901); CHILDHOOD;

AS I went a-walking on Lavender Hill,
O, I met a Darling in frock and frill;
And she looked at me shyly, with eyes of blue,
'Are you going a-walking? Then take me too!'

So we strolled to the field where the cowslips grow,
And we played -- and we played for an hour or so;
Then we climbed to the top of the old park wall,
And the Darling she threaded a cowslip ball.

Then we played again, till I said -- 'My Dear,
This pain in my side, it has grown severe;
I ought to have told you I'm past three score,
And I fear that I scarcely can play any more!'

But the Darling she answered, -- 'O no! O no!
You must play -- you must play. -- I shan't let you go!'
-- And I woke with a start and a sigh of despair
And I found myself safe in my Grandfather's-chair!



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