To Manon, on his Fortune in loving Her
July 6, 2023The Old Squire
July 6, 2023To Manon
BRAVE as a falcon and as merciless,
With bright eyes watching still the world, thy prey,
I saw thee pass in thy lone majesty,
Untamed, unmated, high above the press.
The dull crowd gazed at thee. It could not guess
The secret of thy proud aerial way,
Or read in thy mute face the soul which lay
A prisoner there in chains of tenderness.
—Lo, thou art captured. In my hand today
I hold thee, and awhile thou deignest to be
Pleased with my jesses. I would fain beguile
My foolish heart to think thou lovest me. See,
I dare not love thee quite. A little while
And thou shalt sail back heavenwards.
Woe is me!
Wilfrid Scawen Blunt
Wilfrid Scawen Blunt (1840-1922) was an English poet and writer who is best known for his poems and prose works that explored his political and social beliefs. Blunt was a strong advocate for animal rights and was actively involved in the struggle for Irish independence. His most famous works include "The Love Sonnets of Proteus" and "My Diaries: Being a Personal Narrative of Events, 1888-1914."