The Poetry Corner

Sadly, O, Sadly

By Walter De La Mare

Sadly, O, sadly, the sweet bells of Baddeley Played in their steeples when Robin was gone, Killed by an arrow, Shot by Cock Sparrow, Out of a Maybush, fragrant and wan. Grievedly, grievedly, tolled distant Shieveley, When the Dwarfs laid poor Snow-white asleep on the hill, Drowsed by an apple, The Queen, sly and subtle, Had cut with her knife on the blossomy sill.