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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A DELICIOUS INTERRUPTION by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: ALL WERE QUITE GRACIOUS IN THEIR PLAUDITS OF BUD'S FAIRY
Last Line: "TELL US THE SERENADE-TALE, NOW, NOEY, -- THERE!"

ALL were quite gracious in their plaudits of
Bud's Fairy; but another stir above
That murmur was occasioned by a sweet
Young lady-caller, from a neighboring street,
Who rose reluctantly to say good night
To all the pleasant friends and the delight
Experienced, -- as she had promised sure
To be back home by nine. Then paused, demure,
And wondered was it @3very@1 dark. -- Oh, @3no!@1 --
She had @3come@1 by herself and she could go
Without an @3escort.@1 Ah, you sweet girls all!
What young gallant but comes at such a call,
Your most abject slaves! Why, there were three
Young men, and several men of family,
Contesting for the honor -- which at last
Was given to Cousin Rufus; and he cast
A kingly look behind him, as the pair
Vanished with laughter in the darkness there.
As order was restored, with everything
Suggestive, in its way, of "romancing,"
Some one observed that @3now@1 would be the chance
For @3Noey@1 to relate a circumstance
That @3he@1 -- the very specious rumor went --
Had been eye-witness of, by accident.
Noey turned pippin-crimson; then turned pale
As death; then turned to flee, without avail. --
@3"There!@1 head him off! @3Now!@1 hold him in his chair! --
Tell us the Serenade-tale, now, Noey, -- @3There!"@1



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