Though not one of the city turned, not one girl but to glance with contempt toward us that our hearts were so faint with despair and doubt, contempt for us that our lips could not sing to the god of the lance -- Though not one of the city turned as we searched through the city streets, though the maidens gathered their veils and the women their robes as we passed: -- Though not one of the city turned as we paused at the city gate, a few old men rose up with eyes no fear or contempt could harden -- with lips worn frail with no words of hate. A few old men rose up with a few sad women to greet and to hail us, a few lads crept to welcome and comfort us, their white brows set with hope as light circles an olive-branch. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BLOSSOM, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE DEDICATIONS AND INSCRIPTIONS: 6. GRUACH by GORDON BOTTOMLEY ONE WAY OF LOVE by ROBERT BROWNING THE WINDHOVER: TO CHRIST OUR LORD by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE BOOK OF THE LETTER, SELECTION by ABRAHAM ABULAFIA SONG FOR DECORATION DAY by HELEN C. BACON TWELVE SONNETS: 6 by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE LAST MAN: RECEPTION OF EVIL TIDINGS by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |