Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO THE COUNTESS OF POMFRET: LIFE AT RICHKINGS, by FRANCES (THYNNE) SEYMOUR First Line: We sometimes ride, and sometimes walk Last Line: And find enough to blame within. Alternate Author Name(s): Hertford, Countess Of; Somerset, Duchess Of Subject(s): Country Life | ||||||||
WE sometimes ride, and sometimes walk; We play at chess, or laugh, or talk; Sometimes, beside the chrystal stream, We meditate some serious theme; Or in the grot, beside the spring, We hear the feathered warblers sing. Shakespeare (perhaps) an hour diverts, Or Scott directs to mend our hearts. With Clarke God's attributes we explore; And, taught by him, admire them more. Gay's Pastorals sometimes delight us, Or Tasso's grisly spectres fright us: Sometimes we trace Armida's bowers, And view Rinaldo chained with flowers. Often, from thoughts sublime as these, I sink at once -- and make a cheese; Or see my various poultry fed, And treat my swans with scraps of bread. Sometimes upon the smooth canal We row the boat or spread the sail; Till the bright evening-star is seen, And dewy spangles deck the green. Then tolls the bell, and all unite In prayer that God would bless the night. From this (though I confess the change From prayer to cards is somewhat strange) To cards we go, till ten has struck: And then, however bad our luck, Our stomachs ne'er refuse to eat Eggs, cream, fresh butter, or calves'-feet; And cooling fruits, or savoury greens -- 'Sparagus, peas, or kidney-beans. Our supper past, an hour we sit, And talk of history, Spain, or wit: But Scandal far is banished hence, Nor dares intrude with false pretence Of pitying looks, or holy rage Against the vices of the age: We know we all were born in sin, And find enough to blame within. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TARIFF by GEORGE HENRY BOKER A DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY by TED KOOSER THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE WIND by TED KOOSER COUNTRYSIDE by JOSEPHINE MILES THE STORY OF INKLE AND YARICO. A MOST MOVING TALE FROM 'THE SPECTATOR' by FRANCES (THYNNE) SEYMOUR TO A MAN WORKING HIS WAY THROUGH THE CROWD by MARIANNE MOORE |
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