Alison Comments

Thank you Perdita Young for explaining the whole poem to me. It is a beautiful romantic poem!

When spray biginneth to springe, wonderful by Anonymous

I have been given, etc. I am worn out with lying awake for love, Weary as troubled water; In case anyone steals my partner from me I have been anxious for a long time. - It is better to suffer greatly for a time Than mourn for ever; Kindest of women, Listen to what I say. I have been given, etc.

I am seized with longing. There is no man in the world so talented That he can describe all her goodness; Her neck is whiter than the swan, And she is the most beautiful girl in the world.

She smiled at me charmingly, With a slim and well-shaped waist. Unless she is willing to accept me To be her own partner, I will give up living for long, And collapse, fated to die. I have been given, etc. - - At night, when I toss and turn- - That is why my cheeks grow pale- - Lady, all for your sake - -

I have been given a piece of good fortune; I know it has been sent to me from heaven; My love has been withdrawn from all women And settled on Alysoun. - - Her hair is fair enough in colour, Her eyebrows dark, her eyes black; - -

How much the English language has changed! May be a hundred years on nobody will understand what we are writing now. I wish I could understand all of this poem!