Perdita

The sea coast of Bohemia
Is pleasant to the view
When singing larks spring from the grass
To fade into the blue,
And all the hawthorn hedges break
In wreaths of purest snow,
And yellow daffodils are out,
And roses half in blow.

The sea-coast of Bohemia
Is sad as sad can be,
The prince has taen our flower of maids
Across the violet sea;
Our Perdita has gone with him,
No more we dance the round
Upon the green in joyous play,
Or wake the tabors sound.

The sea-coast of Bohemia
Has many wonders seen,
The shepherd lass wed with a king,
The shepherd with a queen;
But such a wonder as my love
Was never seen before,
It is my joy and sorrow now
To love her evermore.

The sea-coast of Bohemia
Is haunted by a light
Of memory fair of ladys eyes,
And fame of gallant knight;
The princes seek its charmèd strand,
But ah, it was our knell
When oer the sea our Perdita
Went with young Florizel.

The sea-coast of Bohemia
Is not my resting-place,
For with her waned from out the day
A beauty and a grace:
O had I kissed her on the lips
I would no longer weep,
But live by that until the day
I fall to shade and sleep

James Hebblethwaite

James Hebblethwaite was an English-born Australian poet, teacher, and clergyman. Emigrating to Australia in the early 1890s, he initially worked as a school teacher before becoming an Anglican clergyman. He is remembered for his vivid and evocative poetry that often reflected his deep religious faith and love for nature. His works include 'Verse from Many Springs' and 'Meadow and Bush.' He held positions in various schools and parishes across Tasmania. Hebblethwaite's poetry extended beyond religious themes to include elements of Australian landscapes and life.

James Hebblethwaite

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English

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