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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN HOSPITAL: 9. LADY-PROBATIONER by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: SOME THREE, OR FIVE, OR SEVEN, AND THIRTY YEARS
Last Line: SOMEHOW, I RATHER THINK SHE HAS A HISTORY.
Subject(s): HOSPITALS; NURSES;

Some three, or five, or seven, and thirty years;
A Roman nose; a dimpling double-chin;
Dark eyes and shy that, ignorant of sin,
Are yet acquainted, it would seem, with tears;
A comely shape; a slim, high-coloured hand,
Graced, rather oddly, with a signet ring;
A bashful air, becoming everything;
A well-bred silence always at command.
Her plain print gown, prim cap, and bright steel chain
Look out of place on her, and I remain
Absorbed in her, as in a pleasant mystery.
Quick, skillful, quiet, soft in speech and touch . . .
'Do you like nursing?' 'Yes, Sir, very much,'
Somehow, I rather think she has a history.



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