The Poetry Corner

Low-Lie-Down

By Madison Julius Cawein

John-A-Dreams and Harum-Scarum Came a-riding into town: At the Sign o' the Jug-and-Jorum There they met with Low-lie-down. Brave in shoes of Romany leather, Bodice blue and gipsy gown, And a cap of fur and feather, In the inn sat Low-lie-down. Harum-Scarum kissed her lightly, Smiled into her eyes of brown, Clasped her waist and held her tightly, Saying, "Love me, Low-lie-down." Then with many an oath and swagger, As a man of great renown, On the board he clapped his dagger, Called for sack and sat him down. So a while they laughed together: Then he rose and with a frown Sighed, "While still 't is pleasant weather I must leave thee, Low-lie-down." So away rode Harum-Scarum, With a song rode out of town; At the sign o' the Jug-and-Jorum Weeping tarried Low-lie-down. Then this John-a-dreams, in tatters, In his pocket ne'er a crown, Touched her saying, "Wench, what matters! Dry your eyes and, come, sit down. "Here's my hand: let's roam together, Far away from thorp and town. Here's my heart for any weather, And my dreams, too, Low-lie-down. "Some men call me dreamer, poet; Some men call me fool and clown What I am but you shall know it! Come with me, sweet Low-lie-down. For a little while she pondered. Smiled and said, "Let care go drown!" Rose and kissed him. Forth they wandered, John-a-dreams and Low-lie-down.