I THIS April last a gentle swain Went early to the wood; His business was, that he would fain His lot have understood. 'Las! poor man! Sad and wan He was grown, for love of Nan; 'Twould him cheer, Could he hear The sweet nightingale's voice here: Wheresoe'er he went, Still his ear he bent List'ning her to find. II His friend (it seems) was better luck'd, And heard one in the park; Whereat by th' sleeve her t'other pluck'd, And cried, 'Hark! there's one! hark!' Th' honest lad Was right glad, Thinking now good news t'have had: Whilst that he (Full of glee) Listing stood to ev'ry tree, Not the nightingall, But th' affrighting-all Ill-lov'd cuckoo sang. III What tidings this may signify I leave to time to tell: But (if it were mine own case) I Should hope all would go well. As I guess, Faithfulness With the cuckoo may express: Mark your fill When you will, Him you'll find in one note still. Though men fear him all When they hear him call, 'Tis a lucky bird. IV Then cheer up, James, and never set False comments on the text: If with th' one bird this year th' hast met, Thou'lt meet with t'other next. Do not droop! Nan shall stoop To thy lure, though th' cuckoo whoop: The bird saith That thy faith Its reward now near-hand hath. Never think on't, man! Come, let's drink to Nan, She shall be thine own. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OH! WEEP FOR THOSE by GEORGE GORDON BYRON CRADLE SONG AT TWILIGHT by ALICE MEYNELL THE CAVALIER'S SONG by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL TO HIS HEART, BIDDING IT HAVE NO FEAR by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS A SNOWFLAKE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH TO A LADY, WITH SOME PAINTED FLOWERS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |