WERE I a breath of viewless wind, As very spirits be, Where would I joy at length to find I was no longer free? Oh, Margaret's cheek, Whose blushes speak Love's purest sympathies, Would be the site, Where gleaming bright, My prison-dome should rise: I'd live upon that rosy shore, And fan it with soft sighs, Nor other paradise explore Beneath the skies. Were I a pranksome Elfin knight, Or eke the Faerye king, Who, when the moonshine glimmers bright, Loves to be wandering; Where would I ride, In all the pride Of Elfin Chivalry, With each sweet sound Far floating round, Of Faerye minstrelsy? -- 'Tis o'er her neck of drifted snow, Her passion-breathing lip, Her dainty chin and noble brow, That I would trip. Were I a glossy plumaged bird, A small glad voice of song, Where would my love-lays aye be heard -- Where would I nestle long? -- In Margaret's ear When none were near, I'd strain my little throat, To sing fond lays In Margaret's praise, That could not be forgot; Then on her bosom would I fall, And from it never part -- Dizzy with joy, and proud to call My home her heart! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN EXPOSTULATION by ISAAC BICKERSTAFFE THE ANGEL, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE GARDEN FANCIES: 1. THE FLOWER'S NAME by ROBERT BROWNING AN IMITATION OF SPENCER by JOHN ARMSTRONG SONG: A LADY, RESCUED FROM DEATH BY A KNIGHT, WHO LEAVES HER by THOMAS CAREW BELVOIR CASTLE; WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF DUCHESS OF RUTLAND by GEORGE CRABBE |