A Serenade
A Serenade - meaning Summary
Evening Summons an Absent Lover
This short serenade addresses an absent lover, County Guy, as evening falls. Natural images — setting sun, orange blossom, breeze, and a silenced lark — mark the traditional hour for lovers. A village maiden listens for her “high‑born Cavalier,” while the speaker repeatedly asks where County Guy is. The poem frames courtship through pastoral and nocturnal signs, mixing affectionate expectation with gentle reproach at his absence.
Read Complete AnalysesAh! County Guy, the hour is nigh The sun has left the lea, The orange-flower perfumes the bower, The breeze is on the sea. The lark, his lay who trill’d all day, Sits hush’d his partner nigh; Breeze, bird, and flower confess the hour, But where is County Guy? The village maid steals through the shade Her shepherd’s suit to hear; To Beauty shy, by lattice high, Sings high-born Cavalier. The star of Love, all stars above, Now reigns o’er earth and sky, And high and low the influence know— But where is County Guy?
Feel free to be first to leave comment.