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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DARLEY DALE by CLINTON SCOLLARD

First Line: OH, I MUST BE IN DARLEY DALE BEFORE THE SUN DIPS LOW
Last Line: BUT CAN'T SAY, FOR THE HEART OF ME, THE WAY WHICH I SHOULD GO!
Subject(s): WOMEN;

Oh, I must be in Darley Dale before the sun dips low,
But can't tell, for the life of me, the way which I should go;
For if I take the one road there's Anabel to see,
And if I take the other road there is sweet Margery.

Within the eyes of Anabel there is a laughing lure,
The starry eyes of Margery are like the Cynosure;
Though Anabel's are larkspur-blue and Margery's are brown,
If I should think to drown myself, in both I'd like to drown.

The lovely lips of Anabel are like a crimson pink,
While Margery's seem a tulip cup that tempts a man to drink;
The hair of one has morning glints, the other's twilight hues;
The voice of each is melody. Pray, how am I to choose?

If Anabel starts marketing, the friendly grasses stir;
If Margery on an errand trips, the rushes bow to her;
Of both of them keep gossiping the leaves of every tree;
How can I tell if Anabel or Margery's for me?
Oh, I must be in Darley Dale before the sun dips low,
But can't say, for the heart of me, the way which I should go!



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