Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN THE DARK WOOD by CHARLES D'ORLEANS

Poem Explanation

Last Line: A MAN DISTRAUGHT, WHO GOES HE KNOWS NOT WHERE.'
I

IN the dark wood to Grier's sad reign resigned,
As all alone I journeyed on a day,
The Goddess of sweet love I chanced to find.
She called; and whither bound she bade me say.
I answered that by Fortune's cruel play
Exiled within the wood I had to fare,
And that my state the name did well convey
Of man distraught, who goes he knows not where.

II

She, with a smile and courteous mien and kind,
Made gentle answer: 'Friend, if you display
Why such unhappiness your heart doth bind,
I will with all my power to help essay;
For erst I placed your heart within the sway
Of all delight. Why now a prey to care?
For much I grieve your sorrows to survey--
A man distraught, who goes he knows not where.'



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