Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO M. I., by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS Poet's Biography First Line: Thou, margaret, lov'st the secret shade Last Line: The joys of innocence and health? Alternate Author Name(s): Betham, Mary Matilda; Edwards, Matilda B.; Edwards, B. M. | ||||||||
THOU, Margaret, lov'st the secret shade, The murmuring brook, or tow'ring tree; The village cot within the glade, And lonely walk have charms for thee, To thee more dear the jasmine bow'r, That shelt'ring, undisturbed retreat, Than the high canopy of pow'r, Or Luxury's embroidered seat. More sweet the early morning breeze, Whose odours fill the rural vale, The waving bosom of the seas, When ruffled by the rising gale. Than all which pride or pomp bestow, to grace the lofty Indian maid, Who prizes more the diamond's glow, Than all in humbler vest arrayed. Sweet is the rural festive song, Which sounds so wildly over the plain, When thoughtless mirth the notes prolong, And heart-felt pleasure pours the strain. Sweet is the dance where light and gay, The village maiden trips along; Her simple robe in careless play, As her fleet step winds round the throng. Sweet is the labourer's blazing fire, When evening shades invite to rest; Though weary, home does joy inspire, And social love dilates his breast. His rural lass with glee prepares, The dainties fondness made her hoard; Her husband now the banquet shares, And children croud around the board. Ah! who could wish to view the air Of listless ease and languid wealth? Who with such pleasures could compare The joys of innocence and health? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ARTHUR AND ALBINA by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS CEN'LIN, PRINCE OF MERCIA by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS EDITHA by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS FRAGMENT by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS GETHSEMANE by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS HUMAN PLEASURE OR PAIN by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS IN A LETTER TO A.R.C. ON HER WISHING TO BE CALLED ANNA by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS IN MEMORY OF AGOSTINO ISOLA, OF CAMBRIDGE, WHO DIED 1797 by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS INVITATION by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS ON A FAN by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS ON THE EVE OF DEPARTURE FROM O-- by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS |
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