I. A YOUTH would marry a maiden, For fair and fond was she; But she was rich, and he was poor, And so it might not be. A lady never could wear -- Her mother held it firm -- A gown that came of an India plant, Instead of an India worm. -- And so the cruel word was spoken; And so it was two hearts were broken. II. A youth would marry a maiden, For fair and fond was she; But he was high and she was low, And so it might not be. A man who had worn a spur, In ancient battle won, Had sent it down with great renown, To goad his future son! -- And so the cruel word was spoken; And so it was two hearts were broken. III. A youth would marry a maiden, For fair and fond was she; But their sires disputed about the Mass, And so it might not be. A couple of wicked kings, Three hundred years agone, Had played at a royal game of chess, And the Church had been a pawn! -- And so the cruel word was spoken; And so it was two hearts were broken. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN GRANTCHESTER MEADOWS; ON HEARING A SKYLARK SING by GEORGE SANTAYANA LULLABY by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON WHICH WAS MOST TRULY DEAD? by CHARLES AUGUSTIN SAINTE-BEUVE TO R.K. by JAMES KENNETH STEPHEN |