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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BALADE by HENRY JOHN NEWBOLT

Poet Analysis

First Line: I CANNOT TELL, OF TWAIN BENEATH THIS BOND
Last Line: THE LADY WHO IS QUEEN AND LOVE TO ME.

I CANNOT tell, of twain beneath this bond,
Which one in grief the other goes beyond, --
Narcissus, who to end the pain he bore
Died of the love that could not help him more;
Or I, that pine because I cannot see
The lady who is queen and love to me.

Nay -- for Narcissus, in the forest pond
Seeing his image, made entreaty fond,
"Beloved, comfort on my longing pour":
So for a while he soothed his passion sore;
So cannot I, for all too far is she --
The lady who is queen and love to me.

But since that I have Love's true colours donned,
I in his service will not now despond,
For in extremes Love yet can all restore:
So till her beauty walks the world no more
All day remembered in my hope shall be
The lady who is queen and love to me.



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