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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE BALLAD A-LA-MODE, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Baron, you doze Last Line: And no one dreams -- of perfidy. Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin | |||
'Tout vient a point a qui sait attendre.' SCENE. -- A Boudoir Louis-Quinze, painted with Cupids shooting at Butterflies. THE COUNTESS. THE BARON (her cousin and suitor). THE COUNTESS (looking up from her work). BARON, you doze. THE BARON (closing his book). I, Madame? No, I wait your order -- Stay or Go. THE COUNTESS. Which means, I think, that Go or Stay Affects you nothing, either way. THE BARON. Excuse me, -- by your favour graced, My inclinations are effaced. THE COUNTESS. Or much the same. How keen you grow! You must be reading MARIVAUX. THE BARON. Nay, -- 'twas a song of SAINTE-AULAIRE. THE COUNTESS. Then read me one. We've time to spare: If I can catch the clock-face there, 'Tis barely eight. THE BARON. What shall it be, -- A tale of woe, or perfidy? THE COUNTESS. Not woes, I beg. I doubt your woes: But perfidy, of course, one knows. THE BARON (reads). '"Ah, Phillis! cruel Phillis! (I heard a Shepherd say,) You hold me with your Eyes, and yet You bid me -- Go my Way!" '"Ah, Colin! foolish Colin! (The Maiden answered so,) If that be all, the Ill is small, I close them -- You may go!" 'But when her Eyes she opened, (Although the Sun it shone,) She found the Shepherd had not stirred -- "Because the Light was gone!" 'Ah, Cupid! wanton Cupid! 'Twas ever thus your Way: When Maids would bid you ply your Wings, You find Excuse to stay!' THE COUNTESS. Famous! He earned whate'er he got: -- But there's some sequel, is there not? THE BARON (turning the page). I think not. -- No. Unless 'tis this: My fate is far more hard than his; -- In fact, your Eyes -- THE COUNTESS. Now, that's a breach! Your bond is -- not to make a speech. And we must start -- so call JUSTINE. I know exactly what you mean! -- Give me your arm -- THE BARON. If, in return, Countess, I could your hand but earn! THE COUNTESS. I thought as much. This comes, you see, Of sentiment, and Arcady, Where vows are hung on every tree.... THE BARON (offering his arm, with a low bow). And no one dreams -- of PERFIDY. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GAGE D'AMOUR by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON A GARDEN SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW; IN MEMORIAM by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON IN AFTER DAYS; RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE BALLAD OF PROSE AND RHYME by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON WHEN THERE IS PEACE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
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