Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LOVE'S QUEST (FOR A MURAL PAINTING) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN AS THE WATCHES OF THE NIGHT HAD GROWN
Last Line: MOURNFUL, KEPT ON HIS WAY. AH! HAPLESS LOVE.
Subject(s): LOVE;

WHEN AS the watches of the night had grown
To that deep loneliness where dreams begin,
I saw how Love, with visage worn and thin, --
With wings close-bound, went through a town alone.
Death-pale he showed, and inly seemed to moan
With sore desire some dolorous place to win;
Sharp brambles passed had streaked his dazzling skin, --
His bright feet eke were gashed with many a stone.
And, as he went, I, sad for piteousness,
Might see how men from door and gate would move
To stay his steps; or womankind would press,
With wistful eyes, to balconies above,
And bid him enter in. But Love not less,
Mournful, kept on his way. Ah! hapless Love.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net