Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 6 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN THE LAD FOR LONGING SIGHS
Last Line: BUT THE LOVER WILL BE WELL.
When the lad for longing sighs,
Mute and dull of cheer and pale,
If at death's own door he lies,
Maiden, you can heal his ail.

Lovers' ills are all to buy:
The wan look, the hollow tone,
The hung head, the sunken eye,
You can have them for your own.

Buy them, buy them: eve and morn
Lovers' ills are all to sell.
Then you can lie down forlorn;
But the lover will be well.




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