The Miller's Maid. - A Tale Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABCCDEF G HIJJKKLEMMNNOOFF PP E QRBBSSTTUUVVW XXYY Z SSSS A2A2B2B2 C2C2SSSSD2D2SS W ZZSSWWSSSSFFSS E2E2 Z X EF2G2 H2H2 SSSSZZSS IH E H2H2I2I2G2J2SSZ XSK2L2SSWW Z W SSB2M2N2N2M2M2SSWWXX SSM2M2 X BBM2 SS WWM2M2M2M2SS SSO2O2 M2 M2M2M2M2SSI2I2SSM2M2 L2L2SSWW X SSZZM2M2P2P2Q2Q2SSSS ZZR2R2 W SSI2I2SSSSSSM2M2M2M2 SS N2N2 X SSW SSZZS2S2SSM2 SSWW S AAM2M2SSSSSSK2L2WWI2 I2WW S SSSSZZSST2MSSU2L2WWR 2R2 X SSSSWWSSSSWWSSI ZZ M2 N2N2V2V2B2 T2MBBS SSWWW2W2 W M2M2WWIHZZWWS SSSSM2M2 S U2L2BBM2M2SSX2 M2M2S SSM2M2 W ZZ SSS SSWWBBY2Y2U2L2XX M2 Z2Z2SSM2M2XSSSM2M2SS ZZXX W Q2Q2XXP2P2WWWWX

Near the high road upon a winding stream	A
An honest Miller rose to Wealth and Fame	B
The noblest Virtues cheer'd his lengthen'd days	C
And all the Country echo'd with his praise	C
His Wife the Doctress of the neighb'ring Poor	D
Footnote This village and the poor of this neighbourhood know what it is to have possest such a blessing and feel at this moment what it is to lose it by death C L Troston th of September	E
Drew constant pray'rs and blessings round his door	F
	-
The Tempest	G
	-
One Summer's night the hour of rest was come	H
Darkness unusual overspread their home	I
A chilling blast was felt the foremost cloud	J
Sprinkl'd the bubbling Pool and thunder loud	J
Though distant yet menac'd the country round	K
And fill'd the Heavens with its solemn sound	K
Who can retire to rest when tempests lour	L
Nor wait the issue of the coming hour	E
Meekly resign'd she sat in anxious pain	M
He fill'd his pipe and listen'd to the rain	M
That batter'd furiously their strong abode	N
Roar'd in the Damm and lash'd the pebbled road	N
When mingling with the storm confus'd and wild	O
They heard or thought they heard a screaming Child	O
The voice approach'd and midst the thunder's roar	F
Now loudly begg'd for Mercy at the door	F
	-
MERCY was there the Miller heard the call	P
His door he open'd when a sudden squall	P
	-
The Young Stranger	E
	-
Drove in a wretched Girl who weeping stood	Q
Whilst the cold rain dripp'd from her in a flood	R
With kind officiousness the tender Dame	B
Rous'd up the dying embers to a flame	B
Dry cloaths procur'd and cheer'd her shiv'ring guest	S
And sooth'd the sorrows of her infant breast	S
But as she stript her shoulders lily white	T
What marks of cruel usage shock'd their sight	T
Weals and blue wounds most piteous to behold	U
Upon a Child yet scarcely Ten years old	U
The Miller felt his indignation rise	V
Yet as the weary stranger clos'd her eyes	V
And seem'd fatigu'd beyond her strength and years	W
'Sleep Child ' he said 'and wipe away your tears '	-
They watch'd her slumbers till the storm was done	X
When thus the generous Man again begun	X
'See fluttering sighs that rise against her will	Y
And agitating dreams disturb her still	Y
	-
The Simple Story	Z
	-
'Dame we should know before we go to rest	S
'Whence comes this Girl and how she came distrest	S
'Wake her and ask for she is sorely bruis'd	S
'I long to know by whom she's thus misus'd	S
	-
'Child what's your name how came you in the storm	A2
'Have you no home to keep you dry and warm	A2
'Who gave you all those wounds your shoulders show	B2
'Where are your Parents Whither would you go	B2
	-
The Stranger bursting into tears look'd pale	C2
And this the purport of her artless tale	C2
'I have no Parents and no friends beside	S
'I well remember when my Mother died	S
'My Brother cried and so did I that day	S
'We had no Father he was gone away	S
'That night we left our home new cloaths to wear	D2
'The Work house found them we were carried there	D2
'We lov'd each other dearly when we met	S
'We always shar'd what trifles we could get	S
	-
Rustic Hospitality and Protection of the friendless	W
	-
But George was older by a year than me	Z
He parted from me and was sent to Sea	Z
Good bye dear Phoebe the poor fellow said	S
Perhaps he'll come again perhaps he's dead	S
When I grew strong enough I went to place	W
My Mistress had a sour ill natured face	W
And though I've been so often beat and chid	S
I strove to please her Sir indeed I did	S
Weary and spiritless to bed I crept	S
And always cried at night before I slept	S
This Morning I offended and I bore	F
A cruel beating worse than all before	F
Unknown to all the House I ran away	S
And thus far travell'd through the sultry day	S
And O don't send me back I dare not go '	-
'I send you back ' the Miller cried 'no no '	-
Th' appeals of Wretchedness had weight with him	E2
And Sympathy would warm him every limb	E2
	-
The Child becomes one of the Family	Z
	-
He mutter'd glorying in the work begun	X
'Well done my little Wench 'twas nobly done '	-
Then said with looks more cheering than the fire	E
And feelings such as Pity can inspire	F2
'My house has childless been this many a year	G2
While you deserve it you shall tarry here '	-
The Orphan mark'd the ardor of his eye	H2
Blest his kind words and thank'd him with a sigh	H2
	-
Thus was the sacred compact doubly seal'd	S
Thus were her spirits rais'd her bruises heal'd	S
Thankful and cheerful too no more afraid	S
Thus little PHOEBE was the Miller's Maid	S
Grateful they found her patient of controul	Z
A most bewitching gentleness of soul	Z
Made pleasure of what work she had to do	S
She grew in stature and in beauty too	S
	-
Five years she pass'd in this delightful home	I
Five happy years but when the sixth was come	H
	-
The New Comer	E
	-
The Miller from a Market Town hard by	H2
Brought home a sturdy Youth his strength to try	H2
To raise the sluice gates early every morn	I2
To heave his powder'd sacks and grind his corn	I2
And meeting Phoebe whom he lov'd so dear	G2
'I've brought you home a Husband Girl D'ye hear	J2
He begg'd for work his money seem'd but scant	S
Those that will work 'tis pity they should want	S
So use him well and we shall shortly see	Z
Whether he merits what I've done like thee '	-
	-
Now throbb'd her heart a new sensation	X
Whene'er the comely Stranger was in right	S
For he at once assiduously strove	K2
To please so sweet a Maid and win her love	L2
At every corner stopp'd her in her way	S
And saw fresh beauties opening ev'ry day	S
He took delight in tracing in her face	W
The mantling blush and every nameless grace	W
	-
Footnote A Maxim which all ought to remember C L	Z
	-
First Impressions	W
	-
That Sensibility would bring to view	S
When Love he mention'd Love and Honour true	S
But Phoebe still was shy and wish'd to know	B2
More of the honest Youth whose manly brow	M2
She verily believ'd was Truth's own throne	N2
And all his words as artless as her own	N2
Most true she judg'd yet long the Youth forbore	M2
Divulging where and how he liv'd before	M2
And seem'd to strive his History to hide	S
Till fair Esteem enlisted on his side	S
The Miller saw and mention'd in his prajse	W
The prompt fidelity of all his ways	W
Till in a vacant hour the Dinner done	X
One day he jokjng cried 'Come here my Son	X
'Tis pity that so good a Lad as you	S
Beneath my roof should bring disorders new	S
But here's my Phoebe once so light and airy	M2
She'd trip along the passage like a Fairy	M2
	-
Enquiry Ingenuous Explanation	X
	-
Has lost her swiftness quite since here you came	B
And yet I can't perceive the Girl is lame	B
The obstacles she meets with still fall thicker	M2
Old as I am I'd turn a corner quicker '	-
The Youth blush'd deep and Phoebe hung her head	S
The good Man smil'd and thus again he said	S
	-
'Not that I deem it matter of surprise	W
That you should love to gaze at Phoebe's eyes	W
But be explicit Boy and deal with honour	M2
I feel my happiness depend upon her	M2
When here you came you'd sorrow on your brow	M2
And I've forborne to question you till now	M2
First then say what thou art ' He instant bow'd	S
And thus in Phoebe's hearing spoke aloud	S
	-
'Thus far experienc'd Sir in you I find	S
All that is generous fatherly and kind	S
And while you look for proofs of real worth	O2
You'll not regard the meanness of my birth	O2
	-
The little History	M2
	-
When pennyless and sad you met with me	M2
I'd just escap'd the dangers of the Sea	M2
Resolv'd to try my fortune on the shore	M2
To get my bread and trust the waves no more	M2
Having no Home nor Parents left behind	S
I'd all my fortune all my Friends to find	S
Keen disappointment wounded me that morn	I2
For trav'ling near the spot where I was born	I2
I at the well known door where I was bred	S
Inquir'd who still was living who was dead	S
But first and most I sought with anxious fear	M2
Tidings to gain of her who once was dear	M2
A Girl with all the meekness of the dove	L2
The constant sharer of my childhood's love	L2
She call'd me Brother which I heard with pride	S
Though now suspect we are not so allied	S
Thus much I learnt no more the churls would say	W
She went to service and she ran away	W
	-
The Recognition	X
	-
'And scandal added' 'Hold ' the Miller cried	S
And in an instant stood at Phoebe's side	S
For he observed while list'ning to the tale	Z
Her spirits faulter'd and her cheeks turn'd pale	Z
Whilst her clasp'd hands descended to her knee	M2
She sinking whisper'd forth 'O God 'tis he	M2
The good Man though he guess'd the pleasing truth	P2
Was far too busy to inform the Youth	P2
But stirr'd himself amain to aid his Wife	Q2
Who soon restor'd the trembler back to life	Q2
Awhile insensible she still appear'd	S
But 'O my Brother ' was distinctly heard	S
The astonisht Youth now held her to his breast	S
And tears and kisses soon explain'd the rest	S
	-
Past deeds now from each tongue alternate fell	Z
For news of dearest import both could tell	Z
Fondly from childhood's tears to youth's full prime	R2
They match'd the incidents of jogging time	R2
	-
Mutual Recollections	W
	-
And prov'd that when with Tyranny opprest	S
Poor Phoebe groan'd with wounds and broken rest	S
George felt no less was harassed and forlorn	I2
A rope's end follow'd him both night and morn	I2
Andin that very storm when Phoebe fled	S
When the rain drench'd her yet unshelter'd head	S
That very Storm he on the Ocean brav'd	S
The Vessel founder'd and the Boy was say'd	S
Mysterious Heaven and O with what delight	S
She told the happy issue of her flight	S
To his charm'd heart a living picture drew	M2
And gave to hospitality its due	M2
The list'ning Host observ'd the gentle Pair	M2
And ponder'd on the means that brought them there	M2
Convinc'd while unimpeach'd their Virtue stood	S
Twas Heav'n's high Will that he should do them good	S
	-
But now the anxious Dame impatient grown	N2
Demanded what the Youth had heard or known	N2
	-
The Investigation	X
	-
Whereon to ground those doubts but just exprest	S
Doubts which must interest the feeling breast	S
'Her Brother wert thou George how prithee say	W
Canst thou forego or cast that name away '	-
	-
'No living proofs have I ' the Youth reply'd	S
That we by closest ties are not allied	S
But in my memory live and ever will	Z
A mother's dying words I hear them still	Z
She said to one who watch'd her parting breath	S2
Don't separate the Children at my death	S2
They're not both mine but Here the scene was clos'd	S
She died and left us helpless and expos'd	S
Nor Time hath thrown nor Reason's opening power	M2
One friendly ray on that benighted hour '	-
	-
Ne'er did the Chieftains of a Warring State	S
Hear from the Oracle their half told fate	S
With more religious fear or more suspense	W
Than Phoebe now endur'd for every sense	W
	-
The Perplexity	S
	-
Became absorb'd in this unwelcome theme	A
Nay every meditation every dream	A
Th'inexplicable sentence held to view	M2
'They're not both mine ' was every morning new	M2
For till this hour the Maid had never prov'd	S
How far she was enthrall'd how much she lov'd	S
In that fond character he first appear'd	S
His kindness charm'd her and his smiles endear'd	S
This dubious mystery the passion crost	S
Her peace was wounded and her Lover lost	S
For George with all his resolution strove	K2
To check the progress of his growing love	L2
Or if he e'er indulg'd a tender kiss	W
Th'unravell'd secret robb'd him of his bliss	W
Health's foe Suspense so irksome to be borne	I2
An ever piercing and retreating thorn	I2
Hung on their Hearts when Nature bade them rise	W
And stole Content's bright ensign from their eyes	W
	-
Anxiety The Enquiry suggested	S
	-
The good folks saw the change and griev'd to find	S
These troubles labouring in Phoebe's mind	S
They lov'd them both and with one voice propos'd	S
The only means whence Truth might be disclos'd	S
That when the Summer Months should shrink the rill	Z
And scarce its languid stream would turn the Mill	Z
When the Spring broods and Pigs and Lambs were rear'd	S
A time when George and Phoebe might be spar'd	S
Their birth place they should visit once again	T2
To try with joint endeavours to obtain	M
From Record or Tradition what might be	S
To chain or set their chain'd affections free	S
Affinity beyond all doubts to prove	U2
Or clear the road for Nature and for Love	L2
Never till now did PHOEBE count the hours	W
Or think May long or wish away its flowers	W
With mutual sighs both fann'd the wings of Time	R2
As we climb Hills and gladden as we climb	R2
	-
Eager Expectation	X
	-
And reach at last the distant promis'd seat	S
Casting the glowing landscape at our feet	S
Oft had the Morning Rose with dew been wet	S
And oft the journeying Sun in glory set	S
Beyond the willow'd meads of vigorous grass	W
The steep green hill and woods they were to pass	W
When now the day arriv'd Impatience reign'd	S
And GEORGE by trifling obstacles detain'd	S
His bending Blackthorn on the threshold prest	S
Survey'd the windward clouds and hop'd the best	S
PHOEBE attir'd with every modest grace	W
While Health and Beauty revell'd in her face	W
Came forth but soon evinc'd an absent mind	S
For back she turn'd for something left behind	S
Again the same till George grew tir'd of home	I
And peevishly exclaim'd 'Come Phoebe come '	-
Another hindrance yet he had to feel	Z
As from the door they tripp'd with nimble heel	Z
	-
The Old Soldier	M2
	-
A poor old Man foot founder'd and alone	N2
Thus urgent spoke in Trouble's genuine tone	N2
'My pretty Maid if happiness you seek	V2
May disappointment never fade your cheek	V2
Your's be the joy yet feel another's woe	B2
O leave some little gift before you go '	-
His words struck home and back she turn'd again	T2
The ready friend of indigence and pain	M
To banish hunger from his shatter'd frame	B
And close behind her lo the Miller came	B
With Jug in hand and cried 'GEORGE why such haste	S
Here take a draught and let that Soldier taste '	-
'Thanks for your bounty Sir ' the Veteran said	S
Threw down his Wallet and made bare his head	S
And straight began though mix'd with doubts and fears	W
Th' unprefac'd History of his latter years	W
'I cross'd th' Atlantic with our Regiment brave	W2
Where Sickness sweeps whole Regiments to the grave	W2
	-
The Surprise	W
	-
Yet I've escap'd and bear my arms no more	M2
My age discharg'd me when I came on shore	M2
My Wife I've heard ' and here he wip'd his eyes	W
'In the cold corner of the Church yard lies	W
By her consent it was I left my home	I
Employment fail'd and poverty waa come	H
The Bounty tempted me she had it all	Z
We parted and I've seen my betters fall	Z
Yet as I'm spar'd though in this piteous case	W
I'm tray'ling homeward to my native place	W
Though should I reach that dear remember'd spot	S
Perhaps OLD GRAINGER will be quite forgot '	-
	-
All eyes beheld young George with wonder start	S
Strong were the secret bodings of his heart	S
Yet not indulg'd for he with doubts survey'd	S
By turns the Stranger and the lovely Maid	S
'Had you no Children ' 'Yes young Man I'd two	M2
A Boy if still he lives as old as you	M2
	-
The Discovery	S
	-
Yet not my own but likely so to prove	U2
Though but the pledge of an unlawful Love	L2
I cherish'd him to hide a Sister's shame	B
He shar'd my best affections and my name	B
But why young folks should I detain you here	M2
Go and may blessings wait upon your cheer	M2
I too will travel on perhaps to find	S
The only treasure that I left behind	S
Such kindly thoughts my fainting hopes revive	X2
Phoebe my Cherub ART thou still alive '	-
	-
Could Nature hold Could youthful Love forbear	M2
George clasp'd the wond'ring Maid and whisper'd 'There	M2
You're mine for ever O sustain the rest	S
And hush the tumult of your throbbing breast '	-
Then to the Soldier turn'd with manly pride	S
And fondly led his long intended Bride	S
'Here see your Child nor wish a sweeter flow'r	M2
'Tis George that speaks thou'lt bless the happy hour	M2
	-
The Bliss of disinterested Benevolence	W
	-
Nay be compos'd for all will yet be well	Z
Though here our history's too long to tell'	Z
	-
A long lost Father found the mystery clear'd	S
What mingled transports in her face appear'd	S
The gazing Veteran stood with hands uprais'd	S
'Art thou indeed my Child then God be prais'd '	-
O'er his rough cheeks the tears profusely spread	S
Such as fools say become not Men to shed	S
Past hours of bliss regenerated charms	W
Rose when he felt his Daughter in his arms	W
So tender was the scene the generous Dame	B
Wept as she told of Phoebe's virtuous fame	B
And the good Host with gestures passing strange	Y2
Abstracted seem'd through fields of joy to range	Y2
Rejoicing that his favour'd Roof should prove	U2
Virtue's asylum and the nurse of Love	L2
Rejoicing that to him the task was given	X
his full Soul was mounting up to Heav'n	X
	-
The Adopted Daughter	M2
	-
But now as from a dream his Reason sprung	Z2
And heartiest greetings dwelt upon his tongue	Z2
The sounding Kitchen floor at once receiv'd	S
The happy group with all their fears reliev'd	S
'Soldier ' he cried 'you've found your Girl 'tis true	M2
But suffer me to be a Father too	M2
For never Child that blest a Parent's knee	X
Could show more duty than she has to met	S
Strangely she came Affliction chas'd her hard	S
I pitied her and this is my reward	S
Here sit you down recount your perils o'er	M2
Henceforth be this your home and grieve no more	M2
Plenty hath shower'd her dewdrops on my head	S
Care visits not my Table nor my Bed	S
My heart's warm wishes thus then I fulfill	Z
My Dame and I can live without the Mill	Z
George take the whole I'll near you still remain	X
To guide your judgment in the choice of Grain	X
	-
Perfect Content hopes and prospects of Goodness	W
	-
In Virtue's path commence your prosperous life	Q2
And from my hand receive your worthy Wife	Q2
Rise Phoebe rise my Girl kneel not to me	X
But to THAT POW'R who interpos'd for thee	X
Integrity hath mark'd your favourite Youth	P2
Fair budding Honour Constancy and Truth	P2
Go to his arms and may unsullied joys	W
Bring smiling round me rosy Girls and Boys	W
I'll love them for thy sake And may your days	W
Glide on as glides the Stream that never stays	W
Bright as whose shingled bed till life's decline	X
May all your Worth and all your Virtues shine '	-

Robert Bloomfield

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