Death & Dying

A Mésalliance

by E. Nesbit 1858–1924

From Lays and Legends, Second Series (1892)

Death & Dying

I hear sweet music, rich gowns I wear,
I live in splendour and state;
But I'd give it all to be young once more,
And steal through the old low-lintelled door,
To watch at the orchard gate.

There are flowers by thousands these ball-rooms bear,
Fair blossoms, wondrous and new;
But all the flowers that a hot-house grows
I would give for the scent of a certain rose
That a cottage garden grew!

Oh, diamonds that sparkle on bosom and hair,
Oh, rubies that glimmer and glow--
I am tired of my bargain and tired of you!
I would give you all for a daisy or two
From a little grave I know.

✦ ✦ ✦

From Lays and Legends, Second Series (1892)

MLA

Nesbit, E. “A Mésalliance.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/35/.

Chicago

Nesbit, E. “A Mésalliance.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/nesbit/35/.

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