Alfred And Jennet Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: AABBCCDDEEFFGEHHIIJJ KK LLMMNN OOPPQQRRSTUUVVWWIIXX YYZA2B2B2C2C2FFD2D2E 2E2F2F2G2H2I2I2J2J2B B C2C2BBDDK2L2BB M2M2SSIIN2N2GE O2O2NNIIP2P2N2N2XXQ2 R2XXR2R2 S2S2GGD2D2T2T2OOGGEE H2H2J2U2QQV2V2S2S2EE O2O2ZOW2W2 I2I2X2X2D2D2OOS2S2I2 I2XXC2C2R2R2 BBO2O2C2C2Y2Y2EEZ2Z2 N2N2T2T2JA3GE B3B3R2R2C3C3D3D3N2N2 B2B2E3E3F3G3L2L2FFBB H3JGGBBN2N2OA2GGI3I3 U2U2J3J3STH3JJ2J2K3K 3L3L3M3M3 D2D2AAGEH2H2GG N3N3O3B2P3P3V2V2Q3Q3 FFEEYYR3R3D2D2N3N3N2 N2BB O2O2N2N2G3G3OOS3S3BB EET3T3K3K3J2J2GGF2F2 F3F3H3JKKQ2ODDH2G2NN F2F2U3U3V3V3STBBH2H2 W3W3VVB2O3UUIIX3X3Y3 Y3GGV2V2O2O2N3N3ZA2 Z3A4N2N2OOB2B2N3N3I3 I3G3G3U2J2B4R2EEH2H2 GG U3U3E2C4NNBBA4A4D4VC 2C2V2V2B2B2QQE4E4H3J BBVVN2N2N3N3UG2M2M2 B2O3QQIIUUNR2F4RUUO2 O2D4D4F2F2G4G4J2U2D3 D3R2R2V3V3B2O3H4I4J4 J4 K4K4GEL4L4O2O2B2B2XM 4YYH2G2NNRR DDBBF2F2M2M2 N4O4P4Q4N2N2R4R4 S4S4NNT4T4NNN2N2G4G4 UUNEJ2J2A4Z3U4U4V4V4 S2S2O2O2U2J2W4W4X4X4 S2S2RRY4Y4J2J2

Yes let me tell of Jennet my last childA
In her the charms of all the rest ran wildA
And sprouted as they pleased Still by my sideB
I own she was my favourite was my prideB
Since first she labour'd round my neck to twineC
Or clasp'd both little hands in one of mineC
And when the season broke I've seen her bringD
Lapfuls of flowers and then the girl would singD
Whole songs and halves and bits O with such gleeE
If playmates found a favourite it was sheE
Her lively spirit lifted her to joyF
To distance in the race a clumsy boyF
Would raise the flush of conquest in her eyeG
And all was dance and laugh and libertyE
Yet not hard hearted take me right I begH
The veriest romp that ever wagg'd a legH
Was Jennet but when pity soothed her mindI
Prompt with her tears and delicately kindI
The half fledged nestling rabbit mouse or doveJ
By turns engaged her cares and infant loveJ
And many a one at the last doubtful strifeK
Warm'd in her bosom started into lifeK
-
At thirteen she was all that Heaven could sendL
My nurse my faithful clerk my lively friendL
Last at my pillow when I sunk to sleepM
First on my threshold soon as day could peepM
I heard her happy to her heart's desireN
With clanking pattens and a roaring fireN
-
Then having store of new laid eggs to spareO
She fill'd her basket with the simple fareO
And weekly trudged I think I see her stillP
To sell them at yon house upon the hillP
Oft have I watch'd her as she stroll'd alongQ
Heard the gate bang and heard her morning songQ
And as my warm ungovern'd feelings roseR
Said to myself Heaven bless her there she goesR
Long would she tarry and then dancing homeS
Tell how the lady bade her oft'ner comeT
And bade her talk and laugh without controlU
For Jennet's voice was music to the soulU
My tale shall prove it For there dwelt a sonV
An only child and where there is but oneV
Indulgence like a mildew reigns from whenceW
Mischief may follow if that child wants senseW
But Alfred was a youth of noble mindI
With ardent passions and with taste refinedI
All that could please still courted heart and handX
Music joy peace and wealth at his commandX
Wealth which his widow'd mother deem'd his ownY
Except the poor she lived for him aloneY
Yet would she weep by stealth when he was nearZ
But check'd all sighs to spare his wounded earA2
For from his cradle he had never seenB2
Soul cheering sunbeams or wild nature's greenB2
But all life's blessings centre not in sightC2
For Providence that dealt him one long nightC2
Had given in pity to the blooming boyF
Feelings more exquisitely tuned to joyF
Fond to excess was he of all that grewD2
The morning blossom sprinkled o'er with dewD2
Across his path as if in playful freakE2
Would dash his brow and weep upon his cheekE2
Each varying leaf that brush'd where'er he cameF2
Press'd to his rosy lip he call'd by nameF2
He grasp'd the saplings measured every boughG2
Inhaled the fragrance that the spring months throwH2
Profusely round till his young heart confess'dI2
That all was beauty and himself was bless'dI2
Yet when he traced the wide extended plainJ2
Or clear brook side he felt a transient painJ2
The keen regret of goodness void of prideB
To think he could not roam without a guideB
-
Who guess ye knew these scenes of home delightC2
Better than Jennet bless'd with health and sightC2
Whene'er she came he from his sports would slideB
And catch her wild laugh listening by her sideB
Mount to the tell tale clock with ardent springD
And feel the passing hour then fondly clingD
To Jennet's arm and tell how sweet the breathK2
Of bright May mornings on the open heathL2
Then off they started rambling far and wideB
Like Cupid with a wood nymph by his sideB
-
Thus months and months roll'd on the summer pass'dM2
And the long darkness and the winter blastM2
Sever'd the pair no flowery fields to roamS
Poor Alfred sought his music and his homeS
What wonder then if inwardly he pinedI
The anxious mother mark'd her stripling's mindI
Gloomy and sad yet striving to be gayN2
As the long tedious evenings pass'd awayN2
'Twas her delight fresh spirits to supplyG
My girl was sent for just for companyE
-
A tender governess my daughter foundO2
Her temper placid her instruction soundO2
Plain were her precepts full of strength their powerN
Was founded on the practice of the hourN
Theirs were the happy nights to peace resign'dI
With ample means to cheer th' unbended mindI
The Sacred History or the volumes fraughtP2
With tenderest sympathy or towering thoughtP2
The laughter stirring tale the moral layN2
All that brings dawning reason into dayN2
There Jennet learn'd by maps through every landX
To travel and to name them at commandX
Would tell how great their strength their bounds how farQ2
And show where uncle Charles was in the warR2
The globe she managed with a timid handX
Told which was ocean which was solid landX
And said whate'er their diff'rent climates boreR2
All still roll'd round though that I knew beforeR2
-
Thus grown familiar and at perfect easeS2
What could be Jennet's duty but to pleaseS2
Yet hitherto she kept scarce knowing whyG
One powerful charm reserved and still was shyG
When Alfred from his grand piano drewD2
Those heavenly sounds that seem'd for ever newD2
She sat as if to sing would be a crimeT2
And only gazed with joy and nodded timeT2
Till one snug evening I myself was thereO
The whispering lad inquired behind my chairO
Bowman can Jennet sing At home said IG
She sings from morn till night and seems to flyG
From tune to tune the sad the wild the merryE
And moulds her lip to suit them like a cherryE
She learn'd them here O ho said he O hoH2
And rubb'd his hands and stroked his forehead soH2
Then down he sat sought out a tender strainJ2
Sung the first words then struck the chords againU2
Come Jennet help me you must know this songQ
Which I have sung and you have heard so longQ
I mark'd the palpitation of her heartV2
Yet she complied and strove to take a partV2
But faint and fluttering swelling by degreesS2
Ere self composure gave that perfect easeS2
The soul of song then with triumphant gleeE
Resting her idle work upon her kneeE
Her little tongue soon fill'd the room aroundO2
With such a voluble and magic soundO2
That 'spite of all her pains to persevereZ
She stopp'd to sigh and wipe a starting tearO
Then roused herself for faults to make amendsW2
While Alfred trembled to his fingers' endsW2
-
But when this storm of feeling sunk to restI2
Jennet resuming sung her very bestI2
And on the ear with many a dying fallX2
She pour'd th' enchanting Harp of Tara's HallX2
Still Alfred hid his raptures from her viewD2
Still touch'd the keys those raptures to renewD2
And led her on to that sweet past'ral airO
The Highland Laddie with the yellow hairO
She caught the sound and with the utmost easeS2
Bade nature's music triumph sure to pleaseS2
Such truth such warmth such tenderness express'dI2
That my old heart was dancing in my breastI2
Upsprung the youth O Jennet where's your handX
There's not another girl in all the landX
If she could bring me empires bring me sightC2
Could give me such unspeakable delightC2
You little baggage not to tell beforeR2
That you could sing mind you go home no moreR2
-
Thus I have seen her from my own fire sideB
Attain the utmost summit of her prideB
For from that singing hour as time roll'd roundO2
At the great house my Jennet might be foundO2
And while I watch'd her progress with delightC2
She had a father's blessing every nightC2
And grew in knowledge at that moral schoolY2
Till I began to guess myself a foolY2
Music why she could play as well as heE
At least I thought so but we'll let that beE
She read the poets grave and light by turnsZ2
And talk'd of Cowper's Task and Robin BurnsZ2
Nay read without a book as I may sayN2
As much as some could with in half a dayN2
'Twas thus I found they pass'd their happy timeT2
In all their walks when nature in her primeT2
Spread forth her scents and hues and whisper'd loveJ
And joy to every bird in every groveA3
And though their colours could not meet his eyeG
She pluck'd him flowers then talk'd of poetryE
-
Once on a sunbright morning 'twas in JuneB3
I felt my spirits and my hopes in tuneB3
And idly rambled forth as if t' exploreR2
The little valley just before my doorR2
Down by yon dark green oak I found a seatC3
Beneath the clustering thorns a snug retreatC3
For poets as I deem'd who often prizeD3
Such holes and corners far from human eyesD3
I mark'd young Alfred led by Jennet strayN2
Just to the spot both chatting on their wayN2
They came behind me I was still unseenB2
He was the elder Jennet was sixteenB2
My heart misgave me lest I should be deem'dE3
A prying listener never much esteem'dE3
But this fear soon subsided and I saidF3
I'll hear this blind lad and my little maidG3
That instant down she pluck'd a woodbine wreathL2
The loose leaves rattled on my head beneathL2
This was for Alfred which he seized with joyF
O thank you Jennet said the generous boyF
Much was their talk which many a theme suppliedB
As down they sat for every blade was driedB
-
I would have skulk'd away but dare not moveH3
Besides thought I they will not talk of loveJ
But I was wrong for Alfred with a sighG
A little tremulous a little shyG
But with the tenderest accents ask'd his guideB
A question which might touch both love and prideB
This morning Jennet why did you delayN2
And talk to that strange clown upon your wayN2
Our homespun gardener how can you bearO
His screech owl tones upon your perfect earA2
I cannot like that man yet know not whyG
He's surely quite as old again as IG
He's ignorant and cannot be your choiceI3
And ugly too I'm certain by his voiceI3
Besides he call'd you pretty Well what thenU2
I cannot hide my face from all the menU2
Alfred indeed indeed you are deceivedJ3
He never spoke a word that I believedJ3
Nay can he think that I would leave a homeS
Full of enjoyment present and to comeT
While your dear mother's favours daily proveH3
How sweet the bonds of gratitude and loveJ
No while beneath her roof I shall remainJ2
I'll never vex you never give you painJ2
Enough my life he cried and up they sprungK3
By Heaven I almost wish'd that I was youngK3
It was a dainty sight to see them passL3
Light as the July fawns upon the grassL3
Pure as the breath of spring when forth it spreadsM3
Love in their hearts and sunshine on their headsM3
-
Next day I felt what I was bound to doD2
To weigh the adventure well and tell it tooD2
For Alfred's mother must not be beguiledA
He was her earthly hope her only childA
I had no wish no right to pass it byG
It might bring grief perhaps calamityE
She was the judge and she alone should knowH2
Whether to check the flame or let it growH2
I went with fluttering heart and moisten'd eyeG
But strong in truth and arm'd for her replyG
-
Well master Bowman why that serious faceN3
Exclaim'd the lovely dame with such a graceN3
That had I knelt before her I had beenO3
Not quite the simplest votary ever seenB2
I told my tale and urged that well known truthP3
That the soft passion in the bloom of youthP3
Starts into power and leads th' unconscious heartV2
A chase where reason takes but little partV2
Nothing was more in nature or more pureQ3
And from their habits nothing was more sureQ3
Whether the lady blush'd from pride or joyF
I could but guess at length she said My boyF
Dropp'd not a syllable of this to meE
What was I doing that I could not seeE
Through all the anxious hours that I have knownY
His welfare still was dearer than my ownY
How have I mourn'd o'er his unhappy fateR3
Blind as he is the heir to my estateR3
I now might break his heart and Jennet's tooD2
What must I Bowman or what can I doD2
Do madam said I boldly if you traceN3
Impending degradation or disgraceN3
In this attachment let us not delayN2
Send my girl home and check it while you mayN2
I will she said but the next moment sigh'dB
Parental love was struggling hard with prideB
-
I left her thus deep musing and soon foundO2
My daughter for I traced her by the soundO2
Of Alfred's flageolet no cares had theyN2
But in the garden bower spent half the dayN2
By starts he sung then wildest trillings madeG3
To mock a piping blackbird in the gladeG3
I turn'd a corner and approach'd the pairO
My little rogue had roses in her hairO
She whipp'd them out and with a downcast lookS3
Conquer'd a laugh by poring on her bookS3
My object was to talk with her asideB
But at the sight my resolution diedB
They look'd so happy in their blameless gleeE
That as I found them I e'en let them beE
Though Jennet promised a few social hoursT3
'Midst her old friends my poultry and my flowersT3
She came but not till fatal news had wrungK3
Her heart through sleepless hours and chain'd her tongueK3
She came but with a look that gave me painJ2
For though bright sunbeams sparkled after rainJ2
Though every brood came round half run half flyG
I knew her anguish by her alter'd eyeG
And strove with all my power where'er she cameF2
To soothe her grief yet gave it not a nameF2
At length a few sad bitter tears she shedF3
And on both hands reclined her aching headF3
'Twas then my time the conqueror to proveH3
I summon'd all my rhetoric all my loveJ
Jennet you must not think to pass through lifeK
Without its sorrows and without its strifeK
Good dutiful and worthy as you areQ2
You must have griefs and you must learn to bearO
Thus I went on trite moral truths to stringD
All chaff mere chaff where love has spread his wingD
She cared not listen'd not nor seem'd to knowH2
What was my aim but wiped her burning browG2
Where sat more eloquence and living powerN
Than language could embody in an hourN
With soften'd tone I mention'd Alfred's nameF2
His wealth our poverty and that sad blameF2
Which would have weigh'd me down had I not toldU3
The secret which I dare not keep for goldU3
Of Alfred's love o'erheard the other mornV3
The gardener and the woodbine and the thornV3
And added Though the lady sends you homeS
You are but young child and a day may comeT
She has not sent me home the girl repliedB
And rose with sobs of passion from my sideB
She has not sent me home dear father noH2
She gives me leave to tarry or to goH2
She has not blamed me yet she weeps no lessW3
And every tear but adds to my distressW3
I am the cause thus all that she has doneV
Will bring the death or misery of her sonV
Jealous he might be could he but have seenB2
How other lads approach'd where I have beenO3
But this man's voice offends his very soulU
That strange antipathy brooks no controlU
And should I leave him now or seem unkindI
The thought would surely wreck his noble mindI
To leave him thus and in his utmost needX3
Poor Alfred then you will be blind indeedX3
I will not leave him Nay child do not raveY3
What would you be his menial be his slaveY3
Yes she exclaim'd and wiped each streaming eyeG
Yes be his slave and serve him till I dieG
He is too just to act the tyrant's partV2
He's truth itself O how my burthen'd heartV2
Sigh'd for relief soon that relief was foundO2
Without one word we traced the meadow roundO2
Her feverish hand in mine and weigh'd the caseN3
Nor dared to look each other in the faceN3
Till with a sudden stop as if from fearZ
I roused her sinking spirit Who comes hereA2
-
Down the green slope before us glowing warmZ3
Came Alfred tugging at his mother's armA4
Willing she seem'd but he still led the wayN2
She had not walk'd so fast for many a dayN2
His hand was lifted and his brow was bareO
For now no clust'ring ringlets wanton'd thereO
He threw them back in anger and in spleenB2
And shouted Jennet o'er the daisied greenB2
Boyish impatience strove with manly graceN3
In ev'ry line and feature of his faceN3
His claim appear'd resistless as his choiceI3
And when he caught the sound of Jennet's voiceI3
And when with spotless soul he clasp'd the maidG3
My heart exulted while my breath was staidG3
Jennet we must not part return againU2
What have I done to merit all this painJ2
Dear mother share my fortune with the poorB4
Jennet is mine and shall be say no moreR2
Bowman you know not what a friend I'll beE
Give me your daughter Bowman give her meE
Jennet what will my days be if you goH2
A dreary darkness and a life of woeH2
My dearest love come home and do not cryG
You are my daylight Jennet I shall dieG
-
To such appeals all prompt replies are coldU3
And stately prudence snaps her cobweb holdU3
Had the good widow tried or wish'd to speakE2
This was a bond she could not dared not breakC4
Their hearts you never saw their likeness neverN
Were join'd indissolubly join'd for everN
Why need I tell how soon our tears were driedB
How Jennet blush'd how Alfred with a strideB
Bore off his prize and fancied every charmA4
And clipp'd against his ribs her trembling armA4
How mute we seniors stood our power all goneD4
Completely conquer'd Love the day had wonV
And the young vagrant triumph'd in our plightC2
And shook his roguish plumes and laugh'd outrightC2
Yet by my life and hopes I would not partV2
With this sweet recollection from my heartV2
I would not now forget that tender sceneB2
To wear a crown or make my girl a queenB2
Why need be told how pass'd the months alongQ
How sped the summer's walk the winter's songQ
How the foil'd suitor all his hopes gave upE4
How Providence with rapture fill'd their cupE4
No dark regrets no tragic scenes to proveH3
The gardener was too old to die for loveJ
A thousand incidents I cast asideB
To tell but one I gave away the brideB
Gave the dear youth what kings could not have givenV
Then bless'd them both and put my trust in HeavenV
There the old neighbours laugh'd the night awayN2
Who talk of Jennet's wedding to this dayN2
And could you but have seen the modest graceN3
The half hid smiles that play'd in Jennet's faceN3
Or mark'd the bridegroom's bounding heart o'erflowU
You might have wept for joy as I could nowG2
I speak from memory of days long pastM2
Though 'tis a father's tale I've done at lastM2
-
-
-
Here rest thee rest thee Muse review the sceneB2
Where thou with me from peep of dawn hast beenO3
We did not promise that this motley throngQ
Should every one supply a votive songQ
Nor every tenant yet thou hast been kindI
For untold tales must still remain behindI
Which might o'er listening patience still prevailU
Did fancy waver not nor daylight failU
The Soldier's Wife her toils his battles o'erN
Love in a Shower the riv'let's sudden roarR2
Then Lines to Aggravation form the closeF4
Parent of murders and the worst of woesR
But while the changeful hours of daylight flewU
Some homeward look'd and talk'd of evening dewU
Some watch'd the sun's decline and stroll'd aroundO2
Some wish'd another dance and partners foundO2
When in an instant every eye was drawnD4
To one bright object on the upper lawnD4
A fair procession from the mansion cameF2
Unknown its purport and unknown its aimF2
No gazer could refrain no tongue could ceaseG4
It seem'd an embassy of love and peaceG4
Nearer and nearer still approach'd the trainJ2
Age in the van transform'd to youth againU2
Sir Ambrose gazed and scarce believed his eyesD3
'Twas magic memory love and blank surpriseD3
For there his venerable lady woreR2
The very dress which sixty years beforeR2
Had sparkled on her sunshine bridal mornV3
Had sparkled ay beneath this very thornV3
Her hair was snowy white o'er which was seenB2
Emblem of what her bridal cheeks had beenO3
A twin red rose no other ornamentH4
Had pride suggested or false feeling lentI4
She came to grace the triumph of her lordJ4
And pay him honours at his festive boardJ4
-
Nine ruddy lasses follow'd where she stepp'dK4
White were their virgin robes that lightly sweptK4
The downy grass in every laughing eyeG
Cupid had skulk'd and written victoryE
What heart on earth its homage could refuseL4
Each tripp'd unconsciously a blushing MuseL4
A slender chaplet of fresh blossoms boundO2
Their clustering ringlets in a magic roundO2
And as they slowly moved across the greenB2
Each in her beauty seem'd a May day queenB2
The first a wreath bore in her outstretch'd handX
The rest a single rose upon a wandM4
Their steps were measured to that grassy throneY
Where watching them Sir Ambrose sat aloneY
They stopp'd when she the foremost of the rowH2
Curtsied and placed the wreath upon his browG2
The rest in order pacing by his bowerN
In the loop'd wreath left each her single flowerN
Then stood aside What broke the scene's reposeR
The whole assembly clapp'd their hands and roseR
-
The Muses charm'd them as they form'd a ringD
And look'd the very life and soul of SpringD
But still the white hair'd dame they view'd with prideB
Her love so perfect and her truth so triedB
Oh sweet it is to hear to see to nameF2
Unquench'd affection in the palsied frameF2
To think upon the boundless raptures pastM2
And love triumphant conquering to the lastM2
-
Silenced by feeling vanquish'd by his tearsN4
The host sprung up nor felt the weight of yearsO4
Yet utterance found not though in virtue's causeP4
But acclamations fill'd up nature's pauseQ4
Till by one last and vigorous essayN2
His tide of feeling roll'd itself awayN2
The language of delight its bondage brokeR4
And many a warm heart bless'd him as he spokeR4
-
Neighbours and friends by long experience provedS4
Pardon this weakness I was too much movedS4
My dame you see can youth and age insnareN
In vain I strove 'twas more than I could bearN
Yet hear me though the tyrant passions striveT4
The words of truth like leading stars surviveT4
I thank you all but will accomplish moreN
Your verses shall not die as heretoforeN
Your local tales shall not be thrown awayN2
Nor war remain the theme of every layN2
Ours is an humbler task that may releaseG4
The high wrought soul and mould it into peaceG4
These pastoral notes some victor's ear may fillU
Breathed amidst blossoms where the drum is stillU
I purpose then to send them forth to tryN
The public patience or its apathyE
The world shall see them why should I refrainJ2
'Tis all the produce of my own domainJ2
Farewell he said then took his lady's armA4
On his shrunk hand her starting tears fell warmZ3
Again he turn'd to view the happy crowdU4
And cried Good night good night good night aloudU4
Health to you all for see the evening closesV4
Then march'd to rest beneath his crown of rosesV4
Happy old man with feelings such as theseS2
The seasons all can charm and trifles pleaseS2
An instantaneous shout re echoed roundO2
'Twas wine and gratitude inspired the soundO2
Some joyous souls resumed the dance againU2
The aged loiter'd o'er the homeward plainJ2
And scatter'd lovers rambled through the parkW4
And breathed their vows of honour in the darkW4
Others a festal harmony preferr'dX4
Still round the thorn the jovial song was heardX4
Dance rhymes and fame they scorn'd such things as theseS2
But drain'd the mouldy barrel to its leesS2
As if 'twere worse than shame to want reposeR
Nor was the lawn clear till the moon aroseR
And on each turret pour'd a brilliant gleamY4
Of modest light that trembled on the streamY4
The owl awoke but dared not yet complainJ2
And banish'd silence re assumed her reignJ2

Robert Bloomfield



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