Song of the Mad Prince Poem by Walter de la Mare

Song of the Mad Prince

Rating: 4.5


Who said, "Peacock Pie"?
The old King to the sparrow:
Who said, "Crops are ripe"?
Rust to the harrow:
Who said, "Where sleeps she now?
Where rests she now her head,
Bathed in eve's loveliness"? —
That's what I said.

Who said, "Ay, mum's the word"?
Sexton to willow:
Who said, "Green dusk for dreams,
Moss for a pillow"?

Who said, "All Time's delight
Hath she for narrow bed;
Life's troubled bubble broken"? —
That's what I said.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
SImon Nicholls 26 June 2020

When I last read this poem, perhaps sixty years ago, I just loved the sounds. Now I understand the references – and I wept out loud.

2 2 Reply
Ben 05 January 2021

Hey man, I am trying to understand this poem. True, it sounds great but I don't really understand it. Could you help me? You said you understand the references. Thank you!

1 0
Ratnakar Mandlik 13 November 2015

Life's troubled bubble broken Very thoughtful expression. The rhyme is fantastic and reading the poem is a great amusement. Thanks for sharing the poem of a great poet. Ten + points.

2 0 Reply
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