OK, I agree: that isn't a promising start ;) But I was reading about the
big-picture conceit -- a collogue of 17 poets, and I'd be curious about
Hogg's ability to create multiple poetic personae in a single narrative.
(Don't think I've got time to read it myself at the moment.)
P
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Poetryetc provides a venue for a dialogue relating to
> poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Robin Hamilton
> Sent: 30 August 2005 18:46
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: questions
>
> It begins thusly:
>
> THE QUEEN'S WAKE.
>
> DEDICATION TO FIRST EDITION. TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS
> CHARLOTTE OF WALES, A SHEPHERD AMONG THE MOUNTAINS OF
> SCOTLAND DEDICATES THIS POEM.
>
> INTRODUCTION.
>
> Now burst, ye winter clouds that lower.
> Fling from your folds the piercing shower; Sing to the tower
> and leafless tree, Ye cold winds of adversity; Your blights,
> your chilling influence shed On wareless heart and houseless
> head; Your ruth or fury I disdain:
> I've found my mountain Lyre again.
>
> Come to my heart, my only stay!
> Companion of a happier day!
> Thou gift of Heaven, thou pledge of good, Harp of the
> mountain and the wood!
> I little thought, when first I tried
> Thy notes by lone Saint Mary's side,
> When in a deep untrodden den,
> I found thee in the bracken glen -
> I little thought that idle toy
> Should e'er become my only joy.
>
> A maiden's youthful smiles had wove
> Around my heart the toils of love,
> When first thy magic wires I rung,
> And on the breeze thy numbers flung:
> The fervid tear played in mine eye;
> I trembled, wept, and wondered why.
> Sweet was the thrilling ecstasy;
> I know not if 'twas love or thee.
>
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