The Temptress Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH IJIJ KLKL| Old Devil when you come with horns and tail | A |
| With diabolic grin and crafty leer | B |
| I say such bogey man devices wholly fail | A |
| To waken in my heart a single fear | B |
| - | |
| But when you wear a form I know so well | C |
| A form so human yet so near divine | D |
| 'Tis then I fall beneath the magic of your spell | C |
| 'Tis then I know the vantage is not mine | D |
| - | |
| Ah when you take your horns from off your head | E |
| And soft and fragrant hair is in their place | F |
| I must admit I fear the tangled path I tread | E |
| When that dear head is laid against my face | F |
| - | |
| And at what time you change your baleful eyes | G |
| For stars that melt into the gloom of night | H |
| All of my courage my dear fellow quickly flies | G |
| I know my chance is slim to win the fight | H |
| - | |
| And when instead of charging down to wreck | I |
| Me on a red hot pitchfork in your hand | J |
| You throw a pair of slender arms about my neck | I |
| I dare not trust the ground on which I stand | J |
| - | |
| Whene'er in place of using patent wile | K |
| Or trying to frighten me with horrid grin | L |
| You tempt me with two crimson lips curved in a smile | K |
| Old Devil I must really own you win | L |
James Weldon Johnson
(1)
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