Classic and Contemporary Poetry
COUSIN KATE, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a cottage-maiden Last Line: To wear his coronet. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Love | ||||||||
I WAS a cottage-maiden Hardened by sun and air, Contented with my cottage-mates, Not mindful I was fair. Why did a great lord find me out And praise my flaxen hair? Why did a great lord find me out To fill my heart with care? He lured me to his palace-home -- Woe's me for joy thereof -- To lead a shameless shameful life, His plaything and his love. He wore me like a golden knot, He changed me like a glove: So now I moan an unclean thing Who might have been a dove. O Lady Kate, my Cousin Kate, You grew more fair than I: He saw you at your father's gate, Chose you and cast me by. He watched your steps along the lane, Your sport among the rye: He lifted you from mean estate To sit with him on high. Because you were so good and pure He bound you with his ring: The neighbours call you good and pure, Call me an outcast thing. Even so I sit and howl in dust, You sit in gold and sing: Now which of us has tenderer heart? You had the stronger wing. O Cousin Kate, my love was true, Your love was writ in sand: If he had fooled not me but you, If you stood where I stand, He had not won me with his love Nor bought me with his land: I would have spit into his face And not have taken his hand. Yet I've a gift you have not got And seem not like to get: For all your clothes and wedding-ring I've little doubt you fret. My fair-haired son, my shame, my pride, Cling closer, closer yet: Your sire would give broad lands for one To wear his coronet. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD IT IS FINISHED' by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI ITALIA, IO TI SALUTO!' by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE HEART KNOWETH ITS OWN BITTERNESS' (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |
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