Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO A JILTED SWAIN by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: GET THEE BACK NEGLECTED FRIENDS
Last Line: CURST IS SHE THAT MARRIETH.
Subject(s): FRIENDSHIP; HAPPINESS; LAUGHTER; MARRIAGE; JOY; DELIGHT; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

GET thee back neglected friends;
And repay, as each one lends,
Tithes of shallow-sounding glee
Or keen-ringing raillery:
Get thee from lone vigils; be
But in jocund company,
Where is laughter and acclaim
Boisterous above the name. --
Get where sulking husbands sip
Ale-house cheer, with pipe at lip;
And where Mol the barmaid saith
Curst is she that marrieth.



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