Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PASTORAL, by COLIN MUSET First Line: Morning poured its early ray Last Line: And good marriage I should lose.' | ||||||||
MORNING poured its early ray, As I rode upon a day, And across a meadow sped. Nigh to where my pathway led, There I found a Shepherdess Who did priceless charms possess: Early she her bed forsook, In the fields her pleasure took. Fair she was, and full of grace; Bowed I, gazing on her face, While her modest cheeks disclose Blushes sweeter than the rose. Scanty raiment had the lass As she sat upon the grass; Locks she had like shining gold, Waist a lover fain would hold; In all points supremely fair, Not a blemish anywhere. I dismount, and leave my steed On the meadow grass to feed. Then the Shepherdess in fear, When she saw me coming near, Called to Robin, 'Friend, I pray, Hither come without delay.' But I quickly cried, 'Young maid, Say no word, be not afraid. Listen, damsel, for I vow, That I deeply love you now.' Then her cheeks, so fresh and fair, With new blushes covered were; And I said, 'Sweet maid, anew All my love I proffer you. 'Robin plays his flute full well, But no money has to share; Mean the cottage where you dwell, Scant and poor the clothes you wear; Saddle, horse, and wealth have I-- At your will shall all be spent If, dear damsel, you comply, And to be my love consent.' Ne'er she paused; but chaste and wise, Thus the Shepherdess replies: 'Never in my life I heard Words so shameless and absurd; Great the pity were if I Such unseemly part should play, And good name and chastity For a stranger cast away. 'Yes, the folly would be great, Great the damage so to choose, For by it a worthy mate And good marriage I should lose.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VARIATIONS ON A THEME by ALFRED GOLDSWORTHY BAILEY GREENES FUNERALLS: SONNET 10. A CATALOGUE OF CERTAINE OF HIS BOOKES by RICHARD BARNFIELD THE FIRST GRAY HAIR by THOMAS HAYNES BAYLY THE ONE BEFORE THE LAST by RUPERT BROOKE GRACE AFTER MEAT (2) by ROBERT BURNS |
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