English Summary - ABC

ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLAR There chanced to be a pedlar bold, A pedlar bold he chanced to be; He rolled his pack all on his back, And he came tripping o'er the lea. By chance he met two troublesome blades, Two troublesome blades they chanced to be; The one of them was bold Robin Hood, And the other was Little John, so free. 'Oh, pedlar, pedlar! What is in thy, pack, Come speedilie and tell to me!', 'I've several suits of the gay green silk, And silken bowstrings two or three.' 'You have several suits of the gay green silk, And silken bowstrings two or three! Then it's by my body,' cries Little John, 'One half of your pack shall belong to me.' 'Oh, nay! oh, nay!' says the pedlar bold, 'Oh, nay! oh, nay! that never can be; For there's never a man from fair Nottingham Can take one half of my pack from me!' Then the pedlar he pulled off his pack, And put it a little below his knee, Saying, 'If you do move one perch from thi...

TWILIGHT II I climbed a hill as light fell short, And rooks came home in scramble sort, And filled the trees and flapped and fought And sang themselves to sleep; An owl from nowhere with no sound Swung by and soon was nowhere found, I heard him calling half-way round, Holloing loud and deep; A pair of stars, faint pins of light, Then many a star, sailed into sight, And all the stars, the flower of nights, Were round me at a leap; To tell how still the valleys lay I heard a watch-dog miles away And bells of distant sheep. PALPH HIDGSON Summary: The poem 'Twilight II' by Ralph Hodgson describes a serene evening scene. As darkness approaches, the poet climbs a hill and observes the chaotic return of rooks to their nests. They settle in the trees, engage in playful skirmishes, and eventually sing themselves to sleep. In the quietude, an owl glides past unnoticed, its presence only known by its echoing call. The sky then reveals a few faint stars, which multiply into a breathtaking ...

TWILIGHT I Twilight it is, and far woods are dim, and the rooks cry and call. Down in the valley the lamps, and the mist, and a star over all, There by the rick, where they thresh, is the drone at an end, Twilight it is, and I travel the road with my friend. JOHN MASEFIELD Summary: In John Masefield's poem 'Twilight I,' the scene is set with dim woods, the cries of rooks, and the presence of lamps, mist, and a star in the valley. The speaker and their friend travel the road near a threshing rick, as the day transitions into twilight.

A PIPER A piper in the streets to-day Set up, and tuned, and started to play, And away, away, away on the tide Of his music we started; on every side Doors and windows were opened wide, And men left down their work and came, And women with petticoats coloured like flame, And little bare feet that were blue with cold Went dancing back to the age of gold, And all the world went gay, went gay, For half an hour in the street to-day. SEUMAS O'SULLIVAN Summary: In the poem 'A Piper' by Seumas O'Sullivan, the speaker observes a piper who appears in the streets. As the piper begins to play his instrument, a captivating melody fills the air. People are drawn to the music, leaving their work and opening doors and windows to listen. The atmosphere becomes joyful and vibrant as men and women, with colourful clothing and children with cold, blue feet, start dancing , evoking a sense of nostalgia for a golden age. This enchanting scene of music and dance brightens the world for a bri...

ARIEL'S SONG Where the bee sucks, there suck I: In a cowslip's bell I lie; There I couch when owls do cry, On the bat's back I do fly After summer merrily, Merrily, merrily shall I live now Under the blossom that hangs on the bough. SHAKESPEARE Summary: 'Ariel's Song' is a enchanting and whimsical song from William Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest.' The song is sung by the spirit Ariel, who is a magical and ethereal character in the play. Each line of the song conjures vivid imagery and expresses Ariel's joyous existence. The song begins with Ariel stating that wherever bees gather nectar, they will find his there as well, indicating his omnipresence and connection to nature. He describes himself lying within the bell of a cowslip flower, a small and delicate blossom, suggesting his ability to find comfort in even the tiniest of places. Ariel further reveals that when the owls cry out, he takes shelter and rests. He likens his flight to that of  a...

THE FREE MAN I have a penny to spend, There-thanks to nobody; I have nothing to lend, I'll borrow frae nobody. I am nobody's lord, I'll be slave to nobody; I have a guide braid sword, I'll take dunts frae noebody. I'll be merry and free, I'll be sad for nobody; Nobody cares for me, I care for nobody. ROBERT BURNS Summary: 'The Free Man' is a short poem by Robert Burns that expresses the speaker's independence and disregard for societal expectations and obligations. The poem consists of a series of statements affirming the speaker's freedom and autonomy. The speaker begins by declaring that they have a penny to spend but owe thanks to nobody for it. They have nothing to lend and refuse to borrow from anyone. This signifies their self-sufficiency and the absence of any indebtedness or reliance on others. The next stanza emphasizes the speaker's rejection of social hierarchy. They assert that they are not beholden to anyone as a lord or master, ...

THE WELL OF ST KEYNE A traveller came to the well of St Keyne; Pleasant it was to his eye, For from cock-crow he had been travelling And there was not a cloud in the sky. He drank of the water so cool and clear,\ For thirsty and hot was he, And he sat down upon the bank, Under the willow tree. There came a man from the neighbouring town At the well to fill his pail, On the well-side he rested it, And bade the stranger hail. 'Now art thou a bachelor, stranger?' quoth he, 'For if thou has a wife,\ The happiest draught thou hast drunk this day That ever thou didst in thy life. 'Or has your good woman, if one you have, In Cornwall ever been? For if she have, I'll venture my life She has drunk of the well of St Keyne.' 'I have left a good woman who never was here,' The stranger he made reply; 'But that my draught should be better for that, I pray you answer me why.' 'St Keyne,' quoth the countryman, 'many a time Drank of this crystal well,...

A NIGHT IN JUNE The sun has long been set, The stars are out by twos and threes, The little birds are piping yet Among the bushes and trees; There's a cuckoo, and one or two thrushes, And a far-off wind that rushes, And a sound of water that gushes, And the cuckoo's sovereign cry Fills all the hollow of the sky. WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Summary: In 'A Night in June' by William Wordsworth, the speaker observes the serene atmosphere of a summer night. The sun has set, and the stars are scattered across the sky. The birds are still chirping, including the cuckoo and a few thrushes, while a distant rushing wind and the sound of gushing water add to the natural symphony. The melodious call of the cuckoo resonates throughout the vast expanse of the sky, filling it with its sovereign cry. The poem captures the tranquil beauty and soothing sounds of a June night, immersing the reader in the peaceful ambiance of nature.

I KNOW A BANK I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where ox-lips and the nodding violet grows; Quite overcanopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine. SHAKESPEARE Summary: In 'I Know a Bank' by Shakespeare, the speaker describes a picturesque setting in nature. They mention a bank where wild thyme blooms and where ox-lips and violet flowers sway gently. The scene is depicted as being completely covered by lush woodbine (honeysuckle) and adorned with fragrant musk-roses and eglantine (sweetbrier). Through these enchanting descriptions, the speaker conveys the beauty and abundance of flora in this idyllic location. 

RAIN IN SUMMER How beautiful is the rain! After the dust and heat, In the broad and fiery street, In the narrow lane, How beautiful is the rain! How it clatters along the roofs, Like the tramp of hoofs! How it gushes and struggles out From the throat of the overflowing spout! Across the window-pane It pours and pours; And swift and wide, With a muddy tide, Like a river down the gutter roars The rain, the welcome rain! H. W. LONGFELLOW Summary: In 'Rain in Summer' by H. W. Longfellow, the speaker expresses admiration for the beauty of rain, particularly after a period of dust and heat. They describe how the rain brings a refreshing change to the surroundings, transforming the fiery street and narrow lanes. The poem vividly portrays the sound and  movement of rain, likening it to the clattering of hoofs and the gushing flow from overflowing spouts. The speaker finds joy in watching the rain pour across windowpanes and hearing it roar like a river down the gutters, expressing gra...

THE CLOUD I bring fresh showers For the thirsting flowers From the seas and the streams; I bear light shade For the leaves when laid In their noonday dreams. From my wings are shaken The dews that waken The sweet buds every one, When rocked to rest On their mother's breast As she dances about the sun. I am the daughter Of Earth and Water, And the nursling of the Sky; I pass through the pores Of the ocean and shores, I change, but I cannot die. SHELLEY Summary: In 'The Cloud' by Shelley, the speaker personifies the cloud as a life-giving entity. The cloud brings nourishing showers to the flowers, providing relief to their thirst. It also provides gentle shade to the leaves during their midday slumber. The cloud is described as a source of rejuvenation, as it releases dew that awakens the buds, and it is connected to the cycles of nature, being the daughter of Earth, Water, and the Sky. Finally, the cloud is portrayed as an eternal force, constantly changing yet unable to per...

A TRAGIC STORY There lived a sage in days of yore And he a handsome pigtail wore; But wondered much and sorrowed more Because it hung behind him. He mused upon this curious case, And swore he'd change the pigtail's place, And have it hanging at his face, Not dangling there behind him. Says he, 'The mystery I've found; I'll turn me round'- he turned him round, But still it hung behind him. Then round and round, and out and in, All day the puzzled sage did spin; In vain-it mattered not a pin- The pigtail hung behind him. And right and left, and round about, And up and down, and in and out, He turned; but still the pigtail stout Hung steadily behind him. And though his efforts never slack, And though he twist and twist and tack, Alas! still faithful to his back, The pigtail hangs behind him. WILLIAM THACERAY Summary: 'A Tragic Story' by William Thackeray is a humorous poem that revolves around a sage who is perplexed by his pigtail that hangs behind him. Th...

THE WRAGGLE TAGGLE GIPSIES, O! Three gipsies stood at the castle gate, They sang so high, they sang so low, The lady sate in her chamber late, Her heart it melted away as snow. They sang so sweet, they sang so shrill, That fast her tears began to flow, Ans she laid down her silken gown, Her golden rings and all her show. She plucked off her high-heeled shoes, A-made of Spanish leather, O. She went in the street, with her bare, bare feet, All out in the wind and weather, O. O saddle to me my milk-white steed, And go and fetch me my pony, O! That I may ride and seek my bride, Who is gone with the wraggle taggle gipsies, O! O he rode high, and he rode low, He rode through wood and copses too, Until he came to an open field, And there he espied his a-lady, O! What makes you leave your house and land? Your golden treasures to forgo? What makes you leave your new-wedded lord To follow the wraggle taggle gipsies, O? What care I for my house and my land? What care I for my treasure, O? What ca...

LILAC-TIME Go down to Kew in lilac-time, in lilac-time, in lilac-time; Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from  London!) And you shall wander hand in hand with love in summer's wonderland; Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from London!) The cherry-trees are seas of bloom, and soft per- fume and sweet perfume, The cherry-trees are seas of bloom (and oh, so near to London!) And there they say, when dawn is high, and all the world's a blaze of sky, The cuckoo, though he's very shy, will sing a song for London. The Dorian nightingale is rare, and yet they say you'll hear him there, At Kew, at Kew in lilac-time (and oh, so near to London!) The linnet and the throstle, too, and after dark the long halloo And golden-eyed tu-whit , tu-whoo , of owls that ogle London.  For Noah hardly knew a bird of any kind that isn't heard At Kew, at Kew in lilac-time (and oh, so near to  London!) And when the rose begins to pout and all the chestnut spires are ou...

THE NIGHTINGALE There lived a Chinese Emperor (Oh, very long ago!) In a palace built of porcelain As white as driven snow; And on its walls were painted, In colours bright and gay, Rare birds that never sang a song And never flew away! But past the royal gardens, In a forest by the sea, There dwelt a little Nightingale, Which sang delightfully. What is this bird?' the Emperor cried, 'That causes such a fuss? Command it to appear at court And sing its song to us!' And when the little Nightingale  Sang from a golden perch, The countries listened silently, As if they were in church; And down their master's royal check They watched a tear-drop fall; And knew he wept for pure delight, And not for grief at all. The bird was made 'Court Chorister,' But might go home each day, (Although they held it by a string, Lest it should fly away). One day the Emperor received A present from a King- A clockwork bird. They wound it up, And it would really sing. Its outspread wings ...

DREAM-MAGIC The larch-tree's a lady With long green sleeves, Swinging in the meadow Where she weaves and weaves Silken soft coverlets Spun with gold seams. Sleep and you'll dream there The dream of all dreams. The burn she's a gypsy, She runs through the glen, She twists like an adder, She flits like a wren, Dancing to a very Curious, ancient tune Learnt from a brown elf At the full moon. That very same elfin thing Crouching in the leaves, Taught the dream-magic To Lady Greensleeves. MARION E. ANGUS Summary: 'Dream-Magic' by Marion E. Angus is a poem that depicts a fantastical world where nature and imagination intertwine. The poem introduces us to enchanting elements such as a larch-tree that resembles a graceful lady, weaving soft coverlets with golden seams in a meadow. It suggests that if one falls asleep under the larch-tree's branches, they will experience the most extraordinary dream. The poem continues by portraying a burn as a gypsy-like figure that run...

THE MERRY HEART Jog on, jog on the footpath way, And merrily hent the stile-a, A merry heart goes all the day, Your sad tires in a mile-a! SHAKESPEARE Summary: 'The Merry Heart' is a short, lively poem attributed to Shakespeare that emphasizes the importance of a cheerful disposition in navigating life's journey. The poem encourages the reader to embrace a merry heart and embrace the joyous path before them.  The opening lines urge one to continue jogging on the footpath, merrily grasping the stile, or crossing point, along the way. This imagery conveys an active and optimistic approach to life. The poem suggests that a merry heart can carry one through the entire day, filling it with happiness and contentment. In contrast, the poem highlights the weariness that accompanies a sad or burdened heart, suggesting that it can exhaust a person's energy within a mere mile of their journey. This serves as a reminder of the negative consequences of carrying sadness, emphasizing ...

HOMEWARD BOUND Head the ship for England! Shake out every sail! Blithe leap the billows,  Merry sings the gale; Captain, work the reck'ning, How many knots a day?- Round the world and home again, That's the sailor's way! We've traded with the Yankees, Brazilians, and Chinese; We've laughed with dusky beauties In shade of tall palm-trees; Across the Line and Gulf-Stream- Round by Table Bay- Everywhere and home again, That's the sailor's way! Nightly stands the North Star  Higher on our bow; Straight we run for England; Our thoughts are in it now. Jolly time with friends ashore, When we've drawn our pay!- All about and home again, That's the sailor's way! WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Summary: 'Homeward Bound' by William Allingham is a spirited and joyful poem that encapsulates the essence of a sailor's longing for home. The poem opens with the resounding command to 'Head the ship for England!' as the sailors eagerly prepare to set sail. Th...

TRAVELLERS' JOYS Sweet to thee morning traveller The song amid the sky,  Where, twinkling in the dewy light, The skylark soars on high. And cheering to the traveller The gales that round him play, When faint and heavily he drags Along his noon-tide way. And when beneath the unclouded sun Full wearily toils he, The flowing water makes to him A pleasant melody. And when the evening light decays, And all is calm around, There is sweet music to his ear In the distant sheep-bells' sound. ROBERT SOUTHEY Summary: 'Travellers' Joys' is a poem written by Robert Southey. The poem celebrates the simple joys experienced by a traveller throughout the day. It highlights the beauty of nature and the soothing sounds that accompany the journey. The poem begins by depicting the morning traveller's delight as he listens to the melodious song of the skylark soaring high in the sky, illuminated by the dewy light. This serene scene fills the traveller with a sense of joy and wonder. ...

WHEN ALL THE WORLD IS YOUNG When all the world is young, lad, And all the trees are green; And every goose a swan, lad, And every lass a queen; Then hey for boot and horse, lad, And round the world away; Young blood must have its course, lad, And every dog his day. CHARLES KINGSLEY Summary: 'When All the World is Young' is a poem by Charles Kingsley that celebrates the vitality and exuberance of youth. The poem opens with the speaker describing a time when the world is young, and everything is full of life and energy. The trees are green, and all the creatures seem more majestic than they are. In this vibrant world, every woman is a queen, and every man is a prince.  The poem then turns to a call for action, as the speaker urges the young to take advantage of their youth while they can. He encourages them to embrace adventure and travel, calling for 'boot and horse' to journey 'round the world away.' The poem suggests that youth is a time to be wild and free, t...

THE VAGABOND Give to me the life I love, Let the lave go by me, Give the jolly heaven above And the by-way nigh me, Bed in the bush with stars to see, Bread I dip in the river- There's the life for a man like me, There's the life for ever. R. L. STEVENSON Summary: 'The Vagabond' by R. L. Stevenson is a poem that expresses the speaker's yearning for a simple and unconventional life. The speaker rejects the comforts and constraints of society, longing instead for a life filled with freedom and natural beauty. The poem begins with a plea for the life the speaker loves, where the world flows past them, unaffected by its demands and pressures. They desire the open sky above, symbolizing the vastness and possibilities of the world. The speaker seeks the proximity of lesser-travelled paths, indicating their desire to explore the less conventional routes and embrace a less conventional lifestyle. The speaker expresses a desire to sleep in the open air, amidst the bushes, wi...

THE EAST IN GOLD Somehow this world is wonderful at times, As it has been from early morn in May Since first I heard the cock-a-doodle-do- Time-keeper on green farms-at break of day. Soon after that I heard ten thousand birds, Which made me think an angel brought a bin Of golden grain, and none was scattered yet- To rouse those birds to make that merry din. I could not sleep again, for such wild cries, And went out early into their green world; And then I saw what set their little tongues To scream for joy-they saw the East in gold. W. H. DAVIES Summary: 'The East in Gold' by W. H. Davies is a poem that captures the wonder and beauty of the natural world. The speaker describes their experience of awakening in the early morning of May, hearing the familiar sound of a rooster crowing. This sound serves as a timekeeper on the green farms, signaling the start of a new day. As the morning progresses, the speaker is delighted to hear the melodic chirping of ten thousand birds. The sh...

THE OWL When cats run home and light is come, And dew is cold upon the ground, And the far-off stream is dumb, And the whirring sail goes round, And the whirring sail goes round: Alone and warming his five wits, The white owl in the belfry sits. When merry milkmaids click the latch, And rarely smells the new-mown hay, And the cock hath sung beneath the thatch  Twice or thrice his roundelay, Twice or thrice his roundelay: Alone and warming his five wits, The white own in the belfry sits. LORD TENNYSON Summary: 'The Owl' by Lord Tennyson is a short poem that portrays the solitary nature of a white owl as night falls and the world around it settles into a quiet and still state. The owl perches alone in the belfry, keeping its senses sharp, as cats return home, the dew settles, the stream falls silent, and distant sails turn in the wind. Even when milkmaids retire and the scent of freshly cut hay lingers, and the cock has sung its song, the owl remains alone, observing and warming...

DREAMS TO SELL If there were dreams to sell, What would you buy? If there were dream to sell, Merry and sad to tell, And the crier rang the bell, What would you buy? T. L BEDDOES Summary: 'Dreams to Sell' by T. L. Beddoes is a short poem that poses the question of what one would purchase if dreams were available for sale, with both joyful and sorrowful tales to tell, and a town crier announcing their availability, prompting reflection on the desires and aspirations that one might pursue if given the opportunity to acquire such dreams. 

MARKET DAY The street that past my window runs Links up the country with the town, And all the world on market day Along my street goes up and down. The great farm-horses, clip-a-clop, Tossing their heads and stepping slow, With coloured favours in their manes From bondage into bondage go; Their glossy coats give back the sun, Their minds are packed with memories Of master-voices, rustling stalls, The brown lands naked to the skies; And now a pattering flock of sheep Swarm by in huddled meek distress, And shut the traffic down, and break Their drivers' hearts with foolishness; And market carts from dawn to dusk Come clattering down the cobbled street, With fruits and vegetables fresh With dew, and children country-sweet Dreaming upon the dirty straw, Or watching city chimneys smoke, With, deep behind their restless eyes, The quietude of rustic folk. P. H. B. LYON Summary: 'Market Day' by P. H. B. Lyon is a poem that vividly captures the bustling scenes of a market day on a...

THE BROOK I come from haunts of coot and hern. I make a sudden sally, And sparkle out among the fern, To bicker down a valley. I chatter over stony ways, In little sharps: and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles, With many a curve my banks I fret By many a field and fallow, And many a fairy foreland set With willow-weed and mallow. I murmur under moon and stars In brambly wildernesses; I linger by my shingly bars, I loiter round my cresses; And out again I curve and flow To join the brimming river, For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever. LORD TENNYSON Summary: 'The Brook' is a poem by Lord Tennyson that describes a stream's journey through different landscapes. The brook bickers down valleys, chatters over stony ways, and murmurs under the moon and stars. The brook's banks are fretted by fields and fallows, and it passes many fairy forelands. The poem celebrates the beauty and constancy of nature, and suggests that even as human l...

PIRATE STORY Three of us afloat in the meadow by the swing, Three of us abroad in the basket on the lea. Winds are in the air, they are blowing in the spring, And waves are on the meadows like the waves  there are at sea. Where shall we adventure, to-day that we're afloat, Wary of the weather and steering by a star? Shall it be to Africa, a-steering of the boat, To Providence or Babylon, or off to Malabar? Hi! but here's a squadron a -rowing on the sea- Cattle on the meadow a-charging with a roar! Quick, and we'll escape them; they're as mad as they can be, The wicket is the harbour and the garden is the shore. R. L. STEVENSON Summary: The poem 'Pirate Story' by R. L. Stevenson tells the story of three individuals on a boat, deciding where to go on their adventure while the winds blow and the waves crash. As they consider their options, they see a group of charging cattle and row away quickly to safety, with the harbour serving as their refuge.

DREAMS Beyond, beyond the mountain line, The grey-stone and the boulder, Beyond the growth of dark green pine, That crowns its western shoulder, There lies that fairy-land of mine, Unseen of a beholder. Its fruits are all like rubies rare. Its streams are clear as glasses; There golden castles hang in air, And purple grapes in masses, And noble knights and ladies fair Come riding down the passes. C. F. ALEXANDER Summary: 'Dreams' by C. F. Alexander is a poem about a fairy-land that lies beyond the mountains, beyond the dark green pine. It is a place that no one has seen, yet the speaker claims it as their own. The land is described as having fruits that resemble rubies, streams as clear as glasses, golden castles hanging in the air, purple grapes in masses, and noble knights and fair ladies riding down the passes. The poem speaks of the speaker's dreams of this magical land, a place of wonder and beauty that can only be found in the realm of the imagination. 

EARL HALDAN'S DAUGHTER It was Earl Haldan's daughter, She looked across the sea; She looked across the water, And long and loud laughed she: 'The locks of six princesses Must be my marriage fee, So hey, bonny boat, and ho, bonny boat! Who comes a-wooing me?' It was Earl Haldan's daughter, She walked along the strand; When she was aware of a knight so fair, Come sailing to the land. His sails were all of velvet, His masts of beaten gold, And hey, bonny boat, and ho, bonny boat! Who saileth here so bold? 'The locks of five princesses I won beyond the sea; I clipt their golden tresses To fringe a cloak for thee. One handful yet is wanting, But one of all the tale; So hey, bonny boat, and ho, bonny boat! Furl up thy velvet sail!' He leapt into the water, That rover young and bold; He gript Earl Haldan's daughter  He clipt he locks of gold; 'Go weep, go weep, proud maiden, The tale is full to-day. Now hey, bonny boat, and ho, bonny boat! Sail westward ho,...

THE YELLOW-HAMMER When Butter-and-Eggs in blossom was, And the hour noon by the Shepherd's Glass, The Yellow-hammer on the eglantine Called his wife and child to dine, But his wife cried out, 'Not these! Not these! I will not dine with the bumble bees.' And his fledgling son, from the cornel spray, Scoffed and scolded and fluted away. So the Yellow-hammer lifted high His bright barred head to the bright blue sky, And he called to the fairies in the fairy ring All day drowsily slumbering, 'Pernickety they are. They like not these, So go to the larder and bring, bring, bring A little bit of bread and no cheese!' MARY WEBB Summary: 'The Yellow-Hammer' by Mary Webb is a short poem about a bird called the yellow-hammer who calls his family to dine. However, his wife refuses to eat with the bumblebees and his son mocks and flutes away. The yellow-hammer then calls upon fairies in a fairy ring to bring bread without cheese, as his family is pernickety and does not ...

THE RIVALS I heard a bird at dawn Singing sweetly on a tree, That the dew was on the lawn, And the wind was on the lea; But I didn't listen to him For he didn't sing to me! I didn't listen to him, For he didn't sing to me That the dew was on the lawn, And the wind was on the lea! I was singing at the time, Just as prettily as he! I was singing all the time, Just as prettily as he, About the dew upon the lawn, And the wind upon the lea! So I didn't listen to him, As he sang upon a tree! JAMES STEPHENS Summary: 'The Rivals' by James Stephens is a short poem about two birds singing at dawn. One bird sings about the dew on the lawn and the wind on the lea, but the other bird doesn't listen because it is too focused on its own singing. The poem highlights the idea of competition and how it can cause individuals to miss out on the beauty around them.

THE MILKMAID A milkmaid, who poised a full pail on her head, Thus mused on her prospects in life, it is said: 'Let me see-I should think that this milk will  procure One hundred good eggs, or fourscore, to be sure. Well then-stop a bit-it must not be forgotten, Some of these, may be broken, and some may be, rotten, But if twenty for accident should be detached, It will leave me just sixty sound eggs to be hatched. 'Well, sixty sound eggs-no, sound chickens, I mean: Of these some may die-we'll suppose seventeen. Seventeen! not so many-say ten at the most, Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or to roast. 'Six shillings a pair-five-four-three-and-six. To prevent all mistakes, that low price I will fix: Now what will that make? Fifty chickens, I said- That makes twenty-five pair-O, alas my poor head! 'Twenty-five pair of fowls-now, how tiresome it is That I can't reckon up such money as this! Well, there's no use in trying, so lets' give a guess: I'l...

PIPPA'S SONG The year's at the spring, And day's at the morn; Morning's at seven; The hill-side's dew-pearled; The lark's on the wing; The snail's on the thorn: God's in His heaven- All's right with the world! ROBERT BROWNING Summary: The poem 'Pippa's Song' by Robert Browning is a celebration of nature and God's benevolent presence in the world. The opening lines suggest the beginning of a new season and a new day, with the hillside covered in dew and the lark taking to the air. The poem concludes with the assertion that God is in control, and all is right with the world. The overall tone of the poem is optimistic and joyful, emphasizing the beauty and harmony of nature and the presence of divine order in the world.  

THE VIOLET Down in a green and shady bed A modest violet grew; Its stalk was bent, it hung its head, As if to hide from view. And yet it was a lovely flower, Its colour bright and fair, It might have graced a rosy bower, Instead of hiding there. Yet there it was content to bloom In modest tints arrayed; And there diffused a sweet perfume Within the silent shade. JANE TAYLOR Summary: 'The Violet' by Jane Taylor is a short poem that describes a beautiful violet growing in a green and shady bed. Despite its beauty, the violet is modest and hangs its head as if to hide from view. The poem observes that the flower's color is bright and fair enough to grace a rosy bower, yet it chooses to remain hidden in the quiet shade. Despite its small size and unassuming nature, the violet diffuses a sweet perfume that adds to the beauty of the area around it. The poem celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the value of modesty in a world that often values flash and showiness.

FLOWER CHORUS O such a commotion under the ground When March called 'Ho, there! ho!' Such spreading of rootlets far and wide, Such whisperings to and fro! 'Are you ready?' the Snowdrop asked, 'Tis time to start, you know.' 'Almost, my dear!' the Scilla replied, 'I'll follow as soon as you go.' Then 'Ha! ha! ha!' a chorus came Of laughter sweet and low, Of millions of flowers under the ground, Yes, millions, beginning to grow. 'I'll promise my blossoms,' the Crocus said, 'When I hear the blackbird sing.' And straight thereafter Narcissus cried, 'My silver and gold I'll bring.' 'And ere they are dulled,' another spoke, 'The hyacinth bells shall ring'; But the Violet only murmured 'I'm here,' And sweet grew the air of spring. Then 'Ha! ha! ha!' a chorus came Of laughter sweet and low, From millions of flowers under the ground, Yes, millions, beginning to grow. O the pret...