LAST year I trod these fields with Di, Fields fresh with clover and with rye; They now seem arid! Then Di was fair and single; how Unfair it seems on me, for now Di's fair -- and married! A blissful swain -- I scorn'd the song Which says that though young Love is strong, The Fates are stronger; Breezes then blew a boon to men, The buttercups were bright, and then This grass was longer. That day I saw and much esteem'd Di's ankles, which the clover seem'd Inclined to smother; It twitch'd, and soon untied (for fun) The ribbon of her shoes, first one, And then the other. I'm told that virgins augur some Misfortune if their shoe-strings come To grief of Friday: And so did Di, and then her pride Decreed that shoe-strings so untied Are "so untidy!" Of course I knelt; with fingers deft I tied the right, and then the left; Says Di, "The stubble Is very stupid! -- as I live, I'm quite ashamed! -- I'm shock'd to give You so much trouble!" For answer I was fain to sink To what we all would say and think Were Beauty present: "Don't mention such a simple act -- A trouble? not the least! in fact It's rather pleasant!" I trust that Love will never tease Poor little Di, or prove that he's A graceless rover. She's happy now as @3Mrs. Smith@1 -- And less polite when walking with Her chosen lover! Heigh-ho! Although no moral clings To Di's blue eyes, and sandal strings, We've had our quarrels! -- I think that Smith is thought an ass; I know that when they walk in grass She wears @3balmorals@1. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NIGHTMARE, FR. IOLANTHE by WILLIAM SCHWENCK GILBERT SNOW IN THE SUBURBS by THOMAS HARDY EPITAPH INTENDED FOR SIR ISAAC NEWTON, IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY by ALEXANDER POPE ACROSS THE STREET by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH IMITATIONS OF SHAKESPEARE by JOHN ARMSTRONG |