The poem
I was a cottage maiden Hardened by sun and air Contented with my cottage mates, Not mindful I was fair. Why did a great lord find me out, And praise my flaxen hair? Why did a great lord find me out, To fill my heart with care?
He lured me to his palace home - Woe's me for joy thereof- To lead a shameless shameful life, His plaything and his love. He wore me like a silken knot, He changed me like a glove; So now I moan, an unclean thing, Who might have been a dove.
O Lady kate, my cousin Kate, You grew more fair than I: He saw you at your father's gate, Chose you, and cast me by. He watched your steps along the lane, Your work among the rye; He lifted you from mean estate To sit with him on high.
Because you were so good and pure He bound you with his ring: The neighbors call you good and pure, Call me an outcast thing. Even so I sit and howl in dust, You sit in gold and sing: Now which of us has tenderer heart? You had the stronger wing.
O cousin Kate, my love was true, Your love was writ in sand: If he had fooled not me but you, If you stood where I stand, He'd not have won me with his love Nor bought me with his land; I would have spit into his face And not have taken his hand.
Yet I've a gift you have not got, And seem not like to get: For all your clothes and wedding-ring I've little doubt you fret. My fair-haired son, my shame, my pride, Cling closer, closer yet: Your father would give his lands for one To wear his coronet.
this poem is good and has a relevant message
We are doing this poem at school amazing!!
Heart break and tragedy two words that some up this poem. Although this poem was written in the Victorian era it still can be identified with today which is marvellous! Even though when I first read this poem it would end tragically, it didn't it ended on a high note.
I have loved this poem since I first read it eight years ago and it remains my favourite poem. Its message's can be understood today as they would have been understood when it was written and which would have been understood long before it was written. A timeless, and in ways, tragic poem that can be appreciated by all.
Does anybody know when this poem was wriiten?
This poem is one one my favorites. i just read is as a part of my college english assignment. it is a very powerful yet very relatable poem. many women of today can still relate to this feeling written about many years ago.
this is the lameest place in the world, metephysicaly
i thought this poem was the most intense and exhillirating poem I have ever had the pleasure to eat
i like this poem very much and it is my favourite poem too.
I think that the poem is really interesting to read and very relatable in some ways.
this poem is shiiiit okay and none of your comments helped me with my cousework your all usellesss kmt dumb people