Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU BID ME TRY, BLUE-EYES, TO WRITE
Last Line: YOU BID ME TRY!

YOU bid me try, BLUE-EYES, to write
A Rondeau. What! -- forthwith? -- to-night?
Reflect. Some skill I have, 'tis true; --
But thirteen lines! -- and rhymed on two!
'Refrain,' as well. Ah, hapless plight!

Still, there are five lines, -- ranged aright.
These Gallic bonds, I feared, would fright
My easy Muse. They did, till you --
You bid me try!

That makes them eight. The port's in sight; --
'Tis all because your eyes are bright!
Now just a pair to end in 'oo' --
When maids command, what can't we do
Behold! -- the RONDEAU, tasteful, light,
You bid me try!




Home: PoetryExplorer.net