The Male Mantis to His Mate
The Male Mantis to His Mate
Original Text
Thomas Thornely, Verses from Fen and Fell (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1919): 1
1Though to thine ardours I respond,
2Full well I know my fate will be,
3Through the dark hours to find thee fond,
4Then make a morning meal for thee.
5But, from some immemorial past,
6Imperious promptings point the way
7To love and death. Break then they fast,
8On me, at breaking of the day.
9My love all other love excels,
10Thine am I still when life has ceased;
11For me alone the bride bells
12Ring in the bridegroom's funeral feast.
13I know that instinct cannot err,
14And love must lead through joy to gloom,
15Then come, my executioner,
16My loving wife and living tomb!
17Possessing, I shall be possessed,
18And indistinguishably thine.
19Thou, my weird wife, art doubly blest,
20With me to love, on me to dine!
Publication Start Year
1919
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2009
Rhyme
Form