I RETTY used to shake her head, Look with wicked eye; Say, "I'd tease you, simplehead, If I cared to try!" Then she'd hot-up scarlet red, Stilly step away, Much afraid that what she'd said Sounded bold to say. II Retty used to think she loved (Just a little) me Not untruly, as it proved Afterwards to be. For, when weakness forced her rest If we walked a mile, She would whisper she was blest By my clasp awhile. III Retty used at last to say When she neared the Vale, "Mind that you, Dear, on that day Ring my wedding peal!" And we all, with pulsing pride, Vigorous sounding gave Those six bells, the while outside John filled in her grave. IV Retty used to draw me down To the turfy heaps, Where, with yeoman, squire, and clown Noticeless she sleeps. Now her silent slumber-place Seldom do I know, For when last I saw her face Was so long ago! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SONG OF THE PILGRIMS by RUPERT BROOKE EVENING CLOUDS by FRANCIS LEDWIDGE ROGER'S SONG, FR. MIDSUMMER EVE by GORDON BOTTOMLEY THE COUNTRY DOCTOR by WILLIAM MCKENDREE CARLETON THE FARMSTEAD by MADISON JULIUS CAWEIN AELLA: MYNSTRELLES SONGE by THOMAS CHATTERTON THE CANTERBURY TALES: EPILOGUE TO THE NUN'S PRIEST'S TALE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER |