A MAIDEN, with a garland on her head, Sat in her bower between two lovers: one Wore such a wreath as hers; the other none. But him, in merry wise, she garlanded With that she wore, then, gayly, took instead The other's wreath and wore it as her own; Whereat both smiled, each deeming she had shown Himself the favorite. Though she nothing said Concerning this by any spoken word, Yet by her act, methinks, the maid preferred The lover she discrowned. A friendly thing Or whimsical -- no more -- the gift she gave (A queen might do as much by any slave), But he whose crown she wore was her heart's king. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: 151 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SEADRIFT by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH TO DR. AIKIN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD VERSES TO SOME FRIENDS RETURNING FROM THE SEA-SIDE by BERNARD BARTON LOLA WEARS LACE by HELEN BIRCH-BARTLETT THE CONTRAST; THE STORMY SIDE by LEVI BISHOP THE LOVE SONNETS OF PROTEUS: 45. FAREWELL TO JULIET (7) by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |