Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE BALLAD OF BABY BUNTING by HENRY SAMBROOKE LEIGH

First Line: THE KNIGHT IS AWAY IN THE MERRY GREENWOOD
Last Line: "SHALL BE THINE FOR A TIPPET, MY DEAR."

The Knight is away in the merry greenwood,
Where he hunts the wild rabbit and roe:
He is fleet in the chase as the late Robin Hood--
He is fleeter in quest of the foe.

The nurse is at home in the castle, and sings
To the babe that she rocks at her breast:
She is crooning of love and of manifold things,
And is bidding the little one rest.

"Oh slumber, my darling! Oh slumber space!
For thy father will shortly be here;
And the skin of some rabbit that falls in the chase
Shall be thine for a tippet, my dear."



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