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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CORYDON - A PASTORAL, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good sir, have you seen pass this way Last Line: No maid at all did this way pass! Subject(s): Beauty; Women; Desire | |||
SCENE: A roadside in Arcady SHEPHERD. GOOD sir, have you seen pass this way A mischief straight from market-day? You'd know her at a glance, I think; Her eyes are blue, her lips are pink; She has a way of looking back Over her shoulder, and, alack! Who gets that look one time, good sir, Has naught to do but follow her. PILGRIM. I have not seen this maid, methinks, Though she that passed had lips like pinks. SHEPHERD. Or like two strawberries made one By some sly trick of dew and sun. PILGRIM. A poet! SHEPHERD. Nay, a simple swain That tends his flock on yonder plain, Naught else, I swear by book and bell. But she that passed -- you marked her well. Was she not smooth as any be That dwell herein in Arcady? PILGRIM. Her skin was as the satin bark Of birches. SHEPHERD. Light or dark? PILGRIM. Quite dark. SHEPHERD. Then 'twas not she. PILGRIM. The peach's side That's next the sun is not so dyed As was her cheek. Her hair hung down Like summer twilight falling brown; And when the breeze swept by, I wist Her face was in a sombre mist. SHEPHERD. No, that is not the maid I seek. Her hair lies gold against the cheek; Her yellow tresses take the morn Like silken tassels of the corn. And yet -- brown locks are far from bad. PILGRIM. Now I bethink me, this one had A figure like the willow-tree Which, slight and supple, wondrously Inclines to droop with pensive grace, And still retains its proper place; A foot so arched and very small The marvel was she walked at all; Her hand -- in sooth I lack for words -- Her hand, five slender snow-white birds. Her voice -- though she but said "God-speed" -- Was melody blown through a reed; The girl Pan changed into a pipe Had not a note so full and ripe. And then her eye -- my lad, her eye! Discreet, inviting, candid, shy, An outward ice, an inward fire, And lashes to the heart's desire -- Soft fringes blacker than the sloe. SHEPHERD. [thoughtfully] Good sir, which way did this one go? PILGRIM. [solus] So, he is off! The silly youth Knoweth not Love in sober sooth. He loves -- thus lads at first are blind -- No woman, only Womankind. I needs must laugh, for, by the Mass, No maid at all did this way pass! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AMERICAN WEDDING by ESSEX HEMPHILL HISTORY OF DESIRE by TONY HOAGLAND ARISTOTLE TO PHYLLIS by JOHN HOLLANDER AFTER THE RAIN by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH AN ALPINE PICTURE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH AN ODE ON THE UNVEILING OF THE SHAW MEMORIA BOSTON COMMON, MAY 31, 1897 by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |
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