Classic and Contemporary Poetry
HOW THE RAVEN BECAME BLACK, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poet's Biography First Line: There's a clever classic story Last Line: Gave the bird a lasting stain. Subject(s): Ravens | ||||||||
THERE's a clever classic story, Such as poets used to write (You may find the tale in Ovid), That the Raven once was white. White as yonder swan a-sailing At this moment in the moat, Till the bird, for misbehavior, Lost, one day, his snowy coat. "Raven-white" was once the saying, Till an accident, alack! Spoiled its meaning, and thereafter It was changed to "Raven-black." Shall I tell you how it happened That the change was brought about? List the story of Coronis, And you'll find the secret out. Young Coronis, fairest maiden Of Thessalia's girlish train, Whom Apollo loved and courted, Loved and courted not in vain, Flirted with another lover (So at least the story goes) And was wont to meet him slyly, Underneath the blushing rose. Whereupon the bird of Phoebus, Who their meetings chanced to view, Went in haste unto his master, Went and told him all he knew; Told him how his dear Coronis, False and faithless as could be, Plainly loved another fellow, -- If he doubted, come and see! Whereupon Apollo, angry Thus to find himself betrayed, With his silver bow-and-arrow Went and shot the wretched maid! Now when he perceived her dying, He was stricken to the heart, And to stop her mortal bleeding, Tried his famous healing art. But in vain; the god of Physic Had no antidote; alack! He who took her off so deftly Could n't bring the maiden back. Angry with himself, Apollo, Yet more angry with his bird, For a moment stood in silence, Impotent to speak a word. Then he turned upon the Raven, "Wanton babbler! see thy fate! Messenger of mine no longer, Go to Hades with thy prate! "Weary Pluto with thy tattle! Hither, monster, come not back; And, to match thy disposition, Henceforth be thy plumage black!" MORAL. When you're tempted to make mischief, It is wisest to refuse; People are not apt to fancy Bearers of unwelcome news. SECOND MORAL. Something of the pitch you handle On your fingers will remain; As the Raven's tale of darkness Gave the bird a lasting stain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RAVEN HAIBUN by ANDREW SCHELLING THE RAVEN; A CHRISTMAS TALE, TOLD BY A SCHOOL-BOY by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE PESSIMIST, OR THE RAVEN AND THE JACKDAW by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN THE RAVEN'S TOMB by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE PROFESSOR RAVEN by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS SONGS ON THE VOICES OF BIRDS; A RAVEN IN A WHITE CHINE by JEAN INGELOW HIALMAR'S HEART by CHARLES MARIE RENE LECONTE DE LISLE DEATH AND CUPID; AN ALLEGORY by JOHN GODFREY SAXE |
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