An Old Song Ended

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

 Next Poem          

“How should I your true love know
From another one?”
“By his cockle-hat and staff
And his sandal-shoon.”
“And what signs have told you now
That he hastens home?”
“Lo! the spring is nearly gone,
He is nearly come.”
“For a token is there nought,
Say, that he should bring?”
“He will bear a ring I gave
And another ring.”
“How may I, when he shall ask,
Tell him who lies there?”
“Nay, but leave my face unveiled
And unbound my hair.”
“Can you say to me some word
I shall say to him?“
“Say I'm looking in his eyes
Though my eyes are dim.”

Next Poem 

 Back to Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


To be able to leave a comment here you must be registered. Log in or Sign up.

Comments2
  • elisa91i982

    I'm kinda stuck interpreting some lines in this poem. "He will bear a ring I gave and another ring." Is this saying he has two rings because one was a gift from her? Or is it alluding to something else? Also, the final line is so poignant. "Say I’m looking in his eyes, though my eyes are dim." Does this mean she's growing old or does it symbolize something deeper?

    • kairolph9643

      Wow, such a wonderful piece. it's beautiful and deep. really moved me. Lov'd every bit of it, truly a classic.