Out of the blackthorn edges
I caught a tune
And before it could vanish, seized
It, wrote it down.
Gave to a girl, so praising
Her eyes, lips and hair
She had little knowing, it was only thorn
Had dreamed of a girl there.
Prettily she thanked me, and never
Guessed any of my deceit…
But O Earth is this the only way
Man may conquer, a girl surrender her sweet?
Ivor Gurney
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-love-song-5/
