Oh, never marry Ishmael! Marry another, and prosper well; But not, but never Ishmael. What has he ever to buy or sell? He only owns what his strength can keep, Only a vanishing knot of sheep, A goat or two. Does he sow or reap? In the hanging rocks rings his old ram's bell -- Who would marry Ishmael? What has he to give to a bride? Only trouble, little beside; Only his arm like a little cave To cover a woman and keep her safe; A rough, fierce kiss, and the wind and the rain; A child perhaps, and another again. Who would marry Ishmael? The arrogant Lucifer, when he fell, Bequeathed his wrath to Ishmael. The hand of every man is set Against this lad, and this lad's hand Is cruel and quick. Forget, forget The nomad boy on his leagues of sand! Marry another, and prosper well; But not, but never Ishmael. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MASK by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING WINDSOR FOREST by ALEXANDER POPE A SOUTHERN NIGHT by MATTHEW ARNOLD GRACE AFTER MEAT (3) by ROBERT BURNS NIGHT IN FLORIDA by ALPHEUS BUTLER JOURNAL IN CEPHALONIA by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |