Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'TO PARLIAMENT THE QUEEN IS GONE', by PATRICK CAREY Poet's Biography First Line: This april last a gentle swain Last Line: She shall be thine own. Subject(s): Omens; Nightingales | ||||||||
I THIS April last a gentle swain Went early to the wood; His business was, that he would fain His lot have understood. 'Las! poor man! Sad and wan He was grown, for love of Nan; 'Twould him cheer, Could he hear The sweet nightingale's voice here: Wheresoe'er he went, Still his ear he bent List'ning her to find. II His friend (it seems) was better luck'd, And heard one in the park; Whereat by th' sleeve her t'other pluck'd, And cried, 'Hark! there's one! hark!' Th' honest lad Was right glad, Thinking now good news t'have had: Whilst that he (Full of glee) Listing stood to ev'ry tree, Not the nightingall, But th' affrighting-all Ill-lov'd cuckoo sang. III What tidings this may signify I leave to time to tell: But (if it were mine own case) I Should hope all would go well. As I guess, Faithfulness With the cuckoo may express: Mark your fill When you will, Him you'll find in one note still. Though men fear him all When they hear him call, 'Tis a lucky bird. IV Then cheer up, James, and never set False comments on the text: If with th' one bird this year th' hast met, Thou'lt meet with t'other next. Do not droop! Nan shall stoop To thy lure, though th' cuckoo whoop: The bird saith That thy faith Its reward now near-hand hath. Never think on't, man! Come, let's drink to Nan, She shall be thine own. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE IS LIKE THE SCENT OF SYRINGA by MINA LOY THE NIGHTINGALE IN BADELUNDA by TOMAS TRANSTROMER THE NIGHTINGALE by PAUL VERLAINE ODE, FR. THE PASSIONATE PILGRIM by RICHARD BARNFIELD NIGHTINGALES by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES BIANCA AMONG THE NIGHTINGALES by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE NIGHTINGALE; A CONVERSATION POEM by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |
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