Theron And Zoe
Zoe: Changed? very true, O Theron, I am changed.
Theron: It would at least have been as merciful
To hold a moment back from me the briar
You let recoil thus sharply or my breast.
Not long ago, not very long, you own'd
With maiden blushes, which became your brow
Better than corn-flower, or that periwinkle
Trained round it by a very careful hand,
A long while trimming it (no doubt) and proud
Of making its blue blossom laugh at me.
Zoe: I could laugh too. What did I own? It seems
(It was so little) you have quite forgot.
Theron: That, since we sate together lay by day,
And walkt together, sang together, none
Of earliest, gentlest, fondest, maiden friends
Loved you as formerly. If one remain'd
Dearer to you than any of the rest,
You could not wish her greater happiness . .
Zoe: Than what?
TheronI think you never could have said it . .
I must have dreamt it . .
Zoe: Tell me then your dream.
Theron: I thought you said . . nay, I will swear you said . .
More than one heard it . . that you could not wish
The nearest to your heart more perfect joy
Than Theron's love.
Zoe: Did I?
Theron: The Gods in heaven
Are witnesses, no less than woodland Gods,
That you did say it. O how changed! no word,
No look, for Theron now!
Zoe: Girls often say
More than they mean: men always do.
Theron: By Pan!
Who punishes with restless nights the false,
Hurling the sleeper down the precipice
Into the roaring gulph, or letting loose
Hounds, wolves, and tigers after him, his legs
[...] Read more
poem by Walter Savage Landor
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!
