A MAIDEN, with a garland on her head, Sat in her bower between two lovers: one Wore such a wreath as hers; the other none. But him, in merry wise, she garlanded With that she wore, then, gayly, took instead The other's wreath and wore it as her own; Whereat both smiled, each deeming she had shown Himself the favorite. Though she nothing said Concerning this by any spoken word, Yet by her act, methinks, the maid preferred The lover she discrowned. A friendly thing Or whimsical -- no more -- the gift she gave (A queen might do as much by any slave), But he whose crown she wore was her heart's king. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TYRANNICK [TYRANNIC] LOVE: EPILOGUE by JOHN DRYDEN THE SONG OF A HEATHEN by RICHARD WATSON GILDER BITTER-SWEET: CRADLE SONG [OR, BABYHOOD] by JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND MONNA INNOMINATA, A SONNET OF SONNETS: 10 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI IMITATIONS OF SHAKESPEARE: A STORM by JOHN ARMSTRONG DAWN ON THE HILLS (FROM A HOTEL WINDOW) by LILLIAN ATCHERSON |