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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE FORTUNE IN THE DAISY, by PHOEBE CARY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of what are you dreaming, my pretty maid Last Line: A richer flower than daisies! Subject(s): Daisies; Flowers | |||
OF what are you dreaming, my pretty maid, With your feet in the summer clover? Ah! you need not hang your modest head: I know 't is about your lover. I know by the blushes on your cheek, Though you strive to hide the token; And I know because you will not speak, The thought that is unspoken. You are counting the petals, one by one, Of your dainty, dewy posies, To find from their number, when 't is done, The secret it discloses. You would see if he comes with gold and land -- The lover that is to woo you; Or only brings his heart and his hand, For your heart and your hand to sue you. Beware, beware, what you say and do, Fair maid, with your feet in the clover; For the poorest man that comes to woo, May be the richest lover! Since not by outward show and sign Can you reckon worth's true measure, Who only is rich in soul and mind, May offer the greatest treasure. Ah! there never was power in gems alone To bind a brow from aching; Nor strength enough in a jeweled zone To hold a heart from breaking. Then be not caught by the sheen and glare Of worldly wealth and splendor; But speak him soft, and speak him fair, Whose heart is true and tender. You may wear your virtues as a crown, As you walk through life serenely; And grace your simple rustic gown With a beauty more than queenly -- Though only one for you shall care, One only speak your praises; And you never wear, in your shining hair, A richer flower than daisies! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THEY SAW THE PROBLEM by MARK JARMAN SHAKE THE SUPERFLUX! by DAVID LEHMAN THE M??TIER OF BLOSSOMING by DENISE LEVERTOV TANKA DIARY (6) by HARRYETTE MULLEN VARIATIONS: 17 by CONRAD AIKEN FORCED BLOOM by STEPHEN ELLIOTT DUNN A LEGEND OF THE NORTHLAND by PHOEBE CARY |
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