The Ballad Of The Student In The South

It was no sooner than this morn
That first I found you there,
Deep in a field of southern corn
As golden as your hair.

I had read books you had not read,
Yet I was put to shame
To hear the simple words you said,
And see your eyes aflame.

Shall I forget when prying dawn
Sends me about my way,
The careless stars, the quiet lawn,
And you with whom I lay?

Your's is the beauty of the moon,
The wisdom of the sea,
Since first you tasted, sweet and soon,
Of God's forbidden tree.

Darling, a scholar's fancies sink
So faint beneath your song;
And you are right, why should we think,
We who are young and strong?

For we are simple, you and I,
We do what others do,
Linger and toil and laugh and die
And love the whole night through.

James Elroy Flecker

James Elroy Flecker was an English poet and playwright born in London. He is best remembered for his poem "The Golden Journey to Samarkand" and his plays. Flecker was associated with the neo-romantic movement, and his works often explored themes of travel and classical antiquity. He died of tuberculosis at a young age, cutting short a promising literary career.

James Elroy Flecker

Oxford Canal

James Elroy Flecker, Simple Poetry

Mignon

James Elroy Flecker, Simple Poetry

Invitation To A Young But Learned Friend To Abandon Archaeology For The Moment, And Play Once More With His Neglected Muse.

James Elroy Flecker, Simple Poetry

Tenebris Interlucentem

James Elroy Flecker, Simple Poetry

English

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I walked with Maisie long years back
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AN OLD SWEETHEART.



As one who cons at evening o'er an album all alone,
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Ballad. "When Nature's Beauty Shone Complete."

When nature's beauty shone complete.
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