A Ballad Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AABB CCDE AAFF GGHH AAAA IIEE AAII| In a costly palace Youth goes clad in gold | A |
| In a wretched workhouse Age's limbs are cold | A |
| There they sit the old men by a shivering fire | B |
| Still close and closer cowering warmth is their desire | B |
| - | |
| In a costly palace when the brave gallants dine | C |
| They have store of good venison with old canary wine | C |
| With singing and music to heighten the cheer | D |
| Coarse bits with grudging are the pauper's best fare | E |
| - | |
| In a costly palace Youth is still carest | A |
| By a train of attendants which laugh at my young Lord's jest | A |
| In a wretched workhouse the contrary prevails | F |
| Does Age begin to prattle no man heark'neth to his tales | F |
| - | |
| In a costly palace if the child with a pin | G |
| Do but chance to prick a finger straight the doctor is called in | G |
| In a wretched workhouse men are left to perish | H |
| For want of proper cordials which their old age might cherish | H |
| - | |
| In a costly palace Youth enjoys his lust | A |
| In a wretched workhouse Age in corners thrust | A |
| Think upon the former days when he was well to do | A |
| Had children to stand by him both friends and kinsmen too | A |
| - | |
| In a costly palace Youth his temples hides | I |
| With a new devised peruke that reaches to his sides | I |
| In a wretched workhouse Age's crown is bare | E |
| With a few thin locks just to fence out the cold air | E |
| - | |
| In peace as in war 'tis our young gallants' pride | A |
| To walk each one i' the streets with a rapier by his side | A |
| That none to do them injury may have pretence | I |
| Wretched Age in poverty must brook offence | I |
Charles Lamb
(2)
Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
Submit Spanish Translation
Submit German Translation
Submit French Translation
Write your comment about A Ballad poem by Charles Lamb
Best Poems of Charles Lamb