IN the forgotten time ere mankind grew Out of its strife with beasts and birds of prey, When the quick women were the first who knew What possible danger scented them each day, Were they not also first to understand The burden and unhappiness of choice, And, with alert evasion, subtly planned To leave it to men's heavier minds? their voice Proclaimed us masters, governors, and lords, And kept alone the passive right to blame If things went wryly: thus with flattering words They freed themselves—being still so much the same That you (fie, Sweet!) renew their old pretence Of my command and your obedience. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LITTLE BOY FOUND, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE BELLS OF HEAVEN by RALPH HODGSON VOICES OF THE NIGHT: PRELUDE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW TO THE RIGHT HON! WILLIAM EARL OF DARTMOUTH by PHILLIS WHEATLEY A WOMAN'S SONNETS: 12 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT BIFURCATION by ROBERT BROWNING NORTH WIND, SOUTH WIND by MARY BISHOP BULLARD |