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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BURD HELEN by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT

First Line: WAN MAID, WHAT IS YOUR WOE?
Last Line: "IN LOVE'S DARK WAY."
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

Wan maid, what is your woe?
Beside his horse you go
Awearily.
Clasp her, O cruel knight,
Upon your steed so white;
Speak cheerily.

O'er bare, sad moors you roam,
Girl page. Where is your home,
Your kith and kin?
Now at the water's edge,
Alas, he gives no pledge.
Black death and sin!

Wan maid, what is your woe?
Torn feet, dazed brain? "Ah, no!
Alack-a-day!
I love and am disdained,
I follow, for I'm chained.
Ah, well-a-way!"

"The pangs that pierce my side
Would stay, though I did ride
The livelong day.
Death stares if I turn back,
Death lurks along my track,
In love's dark way."



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