The Scansion of Christina Rossetti's “Goblin Market”

The Scansion of Christina Rossetti's “Goblin Market”

Zack Rearick, M.A., Georgia State University

[Victorian Web Home —> Authors —> Christina Rossetti —> Works —> “Goblin Market”]



[For instructions on how to use this database, see the author's explanation. Formatting and perspective correction by George P. Landow.]

Line “Goblin Market” Feet Cluster
1 Morning and evening Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
2 Maids heard the goblins cry: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
3 “Come buy our orchard fruits, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
4 Come buy, come buy: Trochee-trochee 7
5 Apples and quinces, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
6 Lemons and oranges, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
7 Plump unpeck’d cherries, Iamb (catalectic)-trochee-trochee 25
8 Melons and raspberries, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
9 Bloom-down-cheek’d peaches, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-trochee 36
10 Swart-headed mulberries, Spondee-iamb-trochee 23
11 Wild free-born cranberries, Spondee-iamb-trochee 23
12 Crab-apples, dewberries, Spondee-iamb-trochee 23
13 Pine-apples, blackberries, Spondee-iamb-trochee 23
14 Apricots, strawberries;— Trochee-iamb-trochee 30
15 All ripe together Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
16 In summer weather,— Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
17 Morns that pass by, Trochee-trochee 7
18 Fair eves that fly; Trochee-trochee 7
19 Come buy, come buy: Trochee-trochee 7
20 Our grapes fresh from the vine, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
21 Pomegranates full and fine, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
22 Dates and sharp bullaces, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
23 Rare pears and greengages, Trochee-iamb-trochee 30
24 Damsons and bilberries, Trochee-iamb-trochee 30
25 Taste them and try: Trochee-iamb 6
26 Currants and gooseberries, Trochee-iamb-trochee 30
27 Bright-fire-like barberries, Spondee-iamb-trochee 23
28 Figs to fill your mouth, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
29 Citrons from the South, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
30 Sweet to tongue and sound to eye; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
31 Come buy, come buy.” Trochee-trochee 7
32 Evening by evening Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
33 Among the brookside rushes, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
34 Laura bow’d her head to hear, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
35 Lizzie veil’d her blushes: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
36 Crouching close together Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
37 In the cooling weather, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
38 With clasping arms and cautioning lips, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
39 With tingling cheeks and finger tips. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
40 “Lie close,” Laura said, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
41 Pricking up her golden head: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
42 “We must not look at goblin men, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
43 We must not buy their fruits: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
44 Who knows upon what soil they fed Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
45 Their hungry thirsty roots?” Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
46 “Come buy,” call the goblins Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
47 Hobbling down the glen. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
48 “Oh,” cried Lizzie, “Laura, Laura, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
49 You should not peep at goblin men.” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
50 Lizzie cover’d up her eyes, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
51 Cover’d close lest they should look; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
52 Laura rear’d her glossy head, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
53 And whisper’d like the restless brook: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
54 “Look, Lizzie, look, Lizzie, Trochee (catalectic)-trochee-trochee (catalectic)-trochee 26
55 Down the glen tramp little men. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
56 One hauls a basket, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
57 One bears a plate, Iamb-iamb 1
58 One lugs a golden dish Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
59 Of many pounds weight. Iamb-iamb-trochee (catalectic) 17
60 How fair the vine must grow Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
61 Whose grapes are so luscious; Iamb-iamb-trochee 20
62 How warm the wind must blow Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
63 Through those fruit bushes.” Trochee-spondee 32
64 “No,” said Lizzie, “No, no, no; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-spondee 38
65 Their offers should not charm us, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
66 Their evil gifts would harm us.” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
67 She thrust a dimpled finger Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
68 In each ear, shut eyes and ran: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
69 Curious Laura chose to linger Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
70 Wondering at each merchant man. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
71 One had a cat’s face, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
72 One whisk’d a tail, Iamb-iamb 1
73 One tramp’d at a rat’s pace, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
74 One crawl’d like a snail, Trochee-trochee-trochee (catalectic) 18
75 One like a wombat prowl’d obtuse and furry, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (hypersyllable) 15
76 One like a ratel tumbled hurry skurry. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (hypersyllable) 15
77 She heard a voice like voice of doves Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
78 Cooing all together: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
79 They sounded kind and full of loves Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
80 In the pleasant weather. Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
81 Laura stretch’d her gleaming neck Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
82 Like a rush-imbedded swan, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
83 Like a lily from the beck, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
84 Like a moonlit poplar branch, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
85 Like a vessel at the launch Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
86 When its last restraint is gone. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
87 Backwards up the mossy glen Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
88 Turn’d and troop’d the goblin men, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
89 With their shrill repeated cry, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
90 “Come buy, come buy.” Trochee-trochee 7
91 When they reach’d where Laura was Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
92 They stood stock still upon the moss, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
93 Leering at each other, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
94 Brother with queer brother; Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
95 Signalling each other, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
96 Brother with sly brother. Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
97 One set his basket down, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
98 One rear’d his plate; Iamb-iamb 1
99 One began to weave a crown Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
100 Of tendrils, leaves, and rough nuts brown Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
101 (Men sell not such in any town); Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
102 One heav’d the golden weight Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
103 Of dish and fruit to offer her: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
104 “Come buy, come buy,” was still their cry. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
105 Laura stared but did not stir, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
106 Long’d but had no money: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
107 The whisk-tail’d merchant bade her taste Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
108 In tones as smooth as honey, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
109 The cat-faced purr’d, Iamb-iamb 1
110 The rat-faced spoke a word Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
111 Of welcome, and the snail-paced even was heard; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
112 One parrot-voiced and jolly Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
113 Cried “Pretty Goblin” still for “Pretty Polly;”— Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (hypersyllable) 15
114 One whistled like a bird. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
115 But sweet-tooth Laura spoke in haste: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
116 “Good folk, I have no coin; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
117 To take were to purloin: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
118 I have no copper in my purse, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
119 I have no silver either, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
120 And all my gold is on the furze Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
121 That shakes in windy weather Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
122 Above the rusty heather.” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
123 “You have much gold upon your head,” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
124 They answer’d all together: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
125 “Buy from us with a golden curl.” Trochee-trochee-iamb-iamb 37
126 She clipp’d a precious golden lock, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
127 She dropp’d a tear more rare than pearl, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
128 Then suck’d their fruit globes fair or red: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
129 Sweeter than honey from the rock, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
130 Stronger than man-rejoicing wine, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
131 Clearer than water flow’d that juice; Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
132 She never tasted such before, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
133 How should it cloy with length of use? Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
134 She suck’d and suck’d and suck’d the more Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
135 Fruits which that unknown orchard bore; Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
136 She suck’d until her lips were sore; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
137 Then flung the emptied rinds away Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
138 But gather’d up one kernel stone, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
139 And knew not was it night or day Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
140 As she turn’d home alone. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
141 Lizzie met her at the gate Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
142 Full of wise upbraidings: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
143 “Dear, you should not stay so late, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
144 Twilight is not good for maidens; Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
145 Should not loiter in the glen Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
146 In the haunts of goblin men. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
147 Do you not remember Jeanie, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
148 How she met them in the moonlight, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
149 Took their gifts both choice and many, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
150 Ate their fruits and wore their flowers Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
151 Pluck’d from bowers Trochee-trochee 7
152 Where summer ripens at all hours? Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
153 But ever in the noonlight Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
154 She pined and pined away; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
155 Sought them by night and day, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
156 Found them no more, but dwindled and grew grey; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
157 Then fell with the first snow, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
158 While to this day no grass will grow Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
159 Where she lies low: Iamb-iamb 1
160 I planted daisies there a year ago Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
161 That never blow. Iamb-iamb 1
162 You should not loiter so.” Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
163 “Nay, hush,” said Laura: Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
164 “Nay, hush, my sister: Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
165 I ate and ate my fill, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
166 Yet my mouth waters still; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
167 To-morrow night I will Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
168 Buy more;” and kiss’d her: Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
169 “Have done with sorrow; Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
170 I’ll bring you plums to-morrow Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
171 Fresh on their mother twigs, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
172 Cherries worth getting; Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
173 You cannot think what figs Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
174 My teeth have met in, Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
175 What melons icy-cold Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
176 Piled on a dish of gold Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
177 Too huge for me to hold, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
178 What peaches with a velvet nap, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
179 Pellucid grapes without one seed: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
180 Odorous indeed must be the mead Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
181 Whereon they grow, and pure the wave they drink Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
182 With lilies at the brink, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
183 And sugar-sweet their sap.” Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
184 Golden head by golden head, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
185 Like two pigeons in one nest Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
186 Folded in each other’s wings, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
187 They lay down in their curtain’d bed: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
188 Like two blossoms on one stem, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
189 Like two flakes of new-fall’n snow, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
190 Like two wands of ivory Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
191 Tipp’d with gold for awful kings. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
192 Moon and stars gaz’d in at them, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
193 Wind sang to them lullaby, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
194 Lumbering owls forbore to fly, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
195 Not a bat flapp’d to and fro Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
196 Round their rest: Trochee-trochee (catalectic) 34
197 Cheek to cheek and breast to breast Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
198 Lock’d together in one nest. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
199 Early in the morning Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
200 When the first cock crow’d his warning, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
201 Neat like bees, as sweet and busy, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
202 Laura rose with Lizzie: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
203 Fetch’d in honey, milk’d the cows, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
204 Air’d and set to rights the house, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
205 Kneaded cakes of whitest wheat, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
206 Cakes for dainty mouths to eat, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
207 Next churn’d butter, whipp’d up cream, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
208 Fed their poultry, sat and sew’d; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
209 Talk’d as modest maidens should: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
210 Lizzie with an open heart, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
211 Laura in an absent dream, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
212 One content, one sick in part; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
213 One warbling for the mere bright day’s delight, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
214 One longing for the night. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
215 At length slow evening came: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
216 They went with pitchers to the reedy brook; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
217 Lizzie most placid in her look, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
218 Laura most like a leaping flame. Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
219 They drew the gurgling water from its deep; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
220 Lizzie pluck’d purple and rich golden flags, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 29
221 Then turning homeward said: “The sunset flushes Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
222 Those furthest loftiest crags; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
223 Come, Laura, not another maiden lags. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
224 No wilful squirrel wags, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
225 The beasts and birds are fast asleep.” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
226 But Laura loiter’d still among the rushes Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
227 And said the bank was steep. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
228 And said the hour was early still Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
229 The dew not fall’n, the wind not chill; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
230 Listening ever, but not catching Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
231 The customary cry, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
232 “Come buy, come buy,” Trochee-trochee 7
233 With its iterated jingle Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
234 Of sugar-baited words: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
235 Not for all her watching Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
236 Once discerning even one goblin Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
237 Racing, whisking, tumbling, hobbling; Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
238 Let alone the herds Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
239 That used to tramp along the glen, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
240 In groups or single, Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
241 Of brisk fruit-merchant men. Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
242 Till Lizzie urged, “O Laura, come; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
243 I hear the fruit-call but I dare not look: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
244 You should not loiter longer at this brook: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
245 Come with me home. Iamb-iamb 1
246 The stars rise, the moon bends her arc, Iamb-trochee-iamb-iamb 19
247 Each glowworm winks her spark, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
248 Let us get home before the night grows dark: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
249 For clouds may gather Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
250 Though this is summer weather, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
251 Put out the lights and drench us through; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
252 Then if we lost our way what should we do?” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
253 Laura turn’d cold as stone Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
254 To find her sister heard that cry alone, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
255 That goblin cry, Iamb-iamb 1
256 “Come buy our fruits, come buy.” Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
257 Must she then buy no more such dainty fruit? Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
258 Must she no more such succous pasture find, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
259 Gone deaf and blind? Iamb-iamb 1
260 Her tree of life droop’d from the root: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
261 She said not one word in her heart’s sore ache; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
262 But peering thro’ the dimness, nought discerning, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (hypersyllable) 15
263 Trudg’d home, her pitcher dripping all the way; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
264 So crept to bed, and lay Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
265 Silent till Lizzie slept; Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
266 Then sat up in a passionate yearning, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (hypersyllable) 16
267 And gnash’d her teeth for baulk’d desire, and wept Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
268 As if her heart would break. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
269 Day after day, night after night, Trochee-iamb-trochee-iamb 31
270 Laura kept watch in vain Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
271 In sullen silence of exceeding pain. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
272 She never caught again the goblin cry: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
273 “Come buy, come buy;”— Trochee-trochee 7
274 She never spied the goblin men Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
275 Hawking their fruits along the glen: Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
276 But when the noon wax’d bright Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
277 Her hair grew thin and grey; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
278 She dwindled, as the fair full moon doth turn Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
279 To swift decay and burn Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
280 Her fire away. Iamb-iamb 1
281 One day remembering her kernel-stone Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
282 She set it by a wall that faced the south; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
283 Dew’d it with tears, hoped for a root, Trochee-iamb-trochee-iamb 31
284 Watch’d for a waxing shoot, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
285 But there came none; Iamb-iamb 1
286 It never saw the sun, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
287 It never felt the trickling moisture run: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
288 While with sunk eyes and faded mouth Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
289 She dream’d of melons, as a traveller sees Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
290 False waves in desert drouth Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
291 With shade of leaf-crown’d trees, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
292 And burns the thirstier in the sandful breeze. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
293 She no more swept the house, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
294 Tended the fowls or cows, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
295 Fetch’d honey, kneaded cakes of wheat, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
296 Brought water from the brook: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
297 But sat down listless in the chimney-nook Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
298 And would not eat. Iamb-iamb 1
299 Tender Lizzie could not bear Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
300 To watch her sister’s cankerous care Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
301 Yet not to share. Iamb-iamb 1
302 She night and morning Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
303 Caught the goblins’ cry: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
304 “Come buy our orchard fruits, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
305 Come buy, come buy;”— Trochee-trochee 7
306 Beside the brook, along the glen, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
307 She heard the tramp of goblin men, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
308 The yoke and stir Iamb-iamb 1
309 Poor Laura could not hear; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
310 Long’d to buy fruit to comfort her, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
311 But fear’d to pay too dear. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
312 She thought of Jeanie in her grave, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
313 Who should have been a bride; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
314 But who for joys brides hope to have Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
315 Fell sick and died Iamb-iamb 1
316 In her gay prime, Iamb-iamb 1
317 In earliest winter time Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
318 With the first glazing rime, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
319 With the first snow-fall of crisp winter time. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
320 Till Laura dwindling Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
321 Seem’d knocking at Death’s door: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
322 Then Lizzie weigh’d no more Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
323 Better and worse; Trochee-iamb 6
324 But put a silver penny in her purse, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
325 Kiss’d Laura, cross’d the heath with clumps of furze Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
326 At twilight, halted by the brook: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
327 And for the first time in her life Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
328 Began to listen and look. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
329 Laugh’d every goblin Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
330 When they spied her peeping: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
331 Came towards her hobbling, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
332 Flying, running, leaping, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
333 Puffing and blowing, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
334 Chuckling, clapping, crowing, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
335 Clucking and gobbling, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
336 Mopping and mowing, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
337 Full of airs and graces, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
338 Pulling wry faces, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-trochee 36
339 Demure grimaces, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
340 Cat-like and rat-like, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
341 Ratel- and wombat-like, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
342 Snail-paced in a hurry, Spondee-trochee-trochee 24
343 Parrot-voiced and whistler, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
344 Helter skelter, hurry skurry, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
345 Chattering like magpies, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
346 Fluttering like pigeons, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
347 Gliding like fishes,— Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
348 Hugg’d her and kiss’d her: Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
349 Squeez’d and caress’d her: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
350 Stretch’d up their dishes, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
351 Panniers, and plates: Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
352 “Look at our apples Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
353 Russet and dun, Trochee-iamb 6
354 Bob at our cherries, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
355 Bite at our peaches, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
356 Citrons and dates, Trochee-iamb 6
357 Grapes for the asking, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
358 Pears red with basking Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
359 Out in the sun, Trochee-iamb 6
360 Plums on their twigs; Trochee-iamb 6
361 Pluck them and suck them, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
362 Pomegranates, figs.”— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
363 “Good folk,” said Lizzie, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
364 Mindful of Jeanie: Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
365 “Give me much and many: — Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
366 Held out her apron, Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
367 Toss’d them her penny. Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
368 “Nay, take a seat with us, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
369 Honour and eat with us,” Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
370 They answer’d grinning: Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
371 “Our feast is but beginning. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
372 Night yet is early, Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
373 Warm and dew-pearly, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-trochee 36
374 Wakeful and starry: Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
375 Such fruits as these Iamb-iamb 1
376 No man can carry: Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
377 Half their bloom would fly, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
378 Half their dew would dry, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
379 Half their flavour would pass by. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
380 Sit down and feast with us, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
381 Be welcome guest with us, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
382 Cheer you and rest with us.”— Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
383 “Thank you,” said Lizzie: “But one waits Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
384 At home alone for me: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
385 So without further parleying, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
386 If you will not sell me any Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
387 Of your fruits though much and many, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
388 Give me back my silver penny Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
389 I toss’d you for a fee.”— Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
390 They began to scratch their pates, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
391 No longer wagging, purring, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
392 But visibly demurring, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
393 Grunting and snarling. Trochee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 11
394 One call’d her proud, Iamb-iamb 1
395 Cross-grain’d, uncivil; Spondee-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 22
396 Their tones wax’d loud, Iamb-iamb 1
397 Their looks were evil. Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
398 Lashing their tails Trochee-iamb 6
399 They trod and hustled her, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
400 Elbow’d and jostled her, Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
401 Claw’d with their nails, Trochee-trochee 7
402 Barking, mewing, hissing, mocking, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
403 Tore her gown and soil’d her stocking, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
404 Twitch’d her hair out by the roots, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
405 Stamp’d upon her tender feet, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
406 Held her hands and squeez’d their fruits Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
407 Against her mouth to make her eat. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
408 White and golden Lizzie stood, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
409 Like a lily in a flood,— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
410 Like a rock of blue-vein’d stone Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
411 Lash’d by tides obstreperously,— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
412 Like a beacon left alone Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
413 In a hoary roaring sea, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
414 Sending up a golden fire,— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
415 Like a fruit-crown’d orange-tree Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
416 White with blossoms honey-sweet Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
417 Sore beset by wasp and bee,— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
418 Like a royal virgin town Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
419 Topp’d with gilded dome and spire Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
420 Close beleaguer’d by a fleet Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
421 Mad to tug her standard down. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
422 One may lead a horse to water, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
423 Twenty cannot make him drink. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
424 Though the goblins cuff’d and caught her, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
425 Coax’d and fought her, Trochee-trochee 7
426 Bullied and besought her, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
427 Scratch’d her, pinch’d her black as ink, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
428 Kick’d and knock’d her, Trochee-trochee 7
429 Maul’d and mock’d her, Trochee-trochee 7
430 Lizzie utter’d not a word; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
431 Would not open lip from lip Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
432 Lest they should cram a mouthful in: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
433 But laugh’d in heart to feel the drip Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
434 Of juice that syrupp’d all her face, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
435 And lodg’d in dimples of her chin, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
436 And streak’d her neck which quaked like curd. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
437 At last the evil people, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
438 Worn out by her resistance, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
439 Flung back her penny, kick’d their fruit Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
440 Along whichever road they took, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
441 Not leaving root or stone or shoot; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
442 Some writh’d into the ground, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
443 Some div’d into the brook Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
444 With ring and ripple, Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
445 Some scudded on the gale without a sound, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
446 Some vanish’d in the distance. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
447 In a smart, ache, tingle, Trochee-spondee-trochee 33
448 Lizzie went her way; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
449 Knew not was it night or day; Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
450 Sprang up the bank, tore thro’ the furze, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
451 Threaded copse and dingle, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
452 And heard her penny jingle Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
453 Bouncing in her purse,— Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb 39
454 Its bounce was music to her ear. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
455 She ran and ran Iamb-iamb 1
456 As if she fear’d some goblin man Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
457 Dogg’d her with gibe or curse Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
458 Or something worse: Iamb-iamb 1
459 But not one goblin scurried after, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
460 Nor was she prick’d by fear; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
461 The kind heart made her windy-paced Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
462 That urged her home quite out of breath with haste Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
463 And inward laughter. Iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 13
464 She cried, “Laura,” up the garden, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
465 “Did you miss me? Trochee-trochee 7
466 Come and kiss me. Trochee-trochee 7
467 Never mind my bruises, Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
468 Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
469 Squeez’d from goblin fruits for you, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
470 Goblin pulp and goblin dew. Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
471 Eat me, drink me, love me; Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
472 Laura, make much of me; Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
473 For your sake I have braved the glen Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
474 And had to do with goblin merchant men.” Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
475 Laura started from her chair, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
476 Flung her arms up in the air, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
477 Clutch’d her hair: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb 35
478 “Lizzie, Lizzie, have you tasted Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
479 For my sake the fruit forbidden? Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
480 Must your light like mine be hidden, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
481 Your young life like mine be wasted, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
482 Undone in mine undoing, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
483 And ruin’d in my ruin, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
484 Thirsty, canker’d, goblin-ridden?”— Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
485 She clung about her sister, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
486 Kiss’d and kiss’d and kiss’d her: Trochee-trochee-trochee 9
487 Tears once again Trochee-trochee 7
488 Refresh’d her shrunken eyes, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
489 Dropping like rain Trochee-trochee 7
490 After long sultry drouth; Trochee-iamb-iamb 27
491 Shaking with aguish fear, and pain, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
492 She kiss’d and kiss’d her with a hungry mouth. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
493 Her lips began to scorch, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
494 That juice was wormwood to her tongue, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
495 She loath’d the feast: Iamb-iamb 1
496 Writhing as one possess’d she leap’d and sung, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 29
497 Rent all her robe, and wrung Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
498 Her hands in lamentable haste, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
499 And beat her breast. Iamb-iamb 1
500 Her locks stream’d like the torch Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
501 Borne by a racer at full speed, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
502 Or like the mane of horses in their flight, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
503 Or like an eagle when she stems the light Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
504 Straight toward the sun, Trochee-trochee 7
505 Or like a caged thing freed, Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
506 Or like a flying flag when armies run. Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
507 Swift fire spread through her veins, knock’d at her heart, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
508 Met the fire smouldering there Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
509 And overbore its lesser flame; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
510 She gorged on bitterness without a name: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
511 Ah! fool, to choose such part Spondee-iamb-iamb 21
512 Of soul-consuming care! Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
513 Sense fail’d in the mortal strife: Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
514 Like the watch-tower of a town Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
515 Which an earthquake shatters down, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
516 Like a lightning-stricken mast, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
517 Like a wind-uprooted tree Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
518 Spun about, Trochee-trochee (catalectic) 34
519 Like a foam-topp’d waterspout Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
520 Cast down headlong in the sea, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
521 She fell at last; Iamb-iamb 1
522 Pleasure past and anguish past, Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
523 Is it death or is it life? Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
524 Life out of death. Trochee-iamb 6
525 That night long Lizzie watch’d by her, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
526 Counted her pulse’s flagging stir, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
527 Felt for her breath, Trochee-trochee 7
528 Held water to her lips, and cool’d her face Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
529 With tears and fanning leaves: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
530 But when the first birds chirp’d about their eaves, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
531 And early reapers plodded to the place Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
532 Of golden sheaves, Iamb-iamb 1
533 And dew-wet grass Iamb-iamb 1
534 Bow’d in the morning winds so brisk to pass, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
535 And new buds with new day Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
536 Open’d of cup-like lilies on the stream, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 29
537 Laura awoke as from a dream, Trochee-trochee-trochee-trochee 8
538 Laugh’d in the innocent old way, Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
539 Hugg’d Lizzie but not twice or thrice; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
540 Her gleaming locks show’d not one thread of grey, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 2
541 Her breath was sweet as May Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
542 And light danced in her eyes. Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
543 Days, weeks, months, years Spondee-spondee 5
544 Afterwards, when both were wives Iamb (catalectic)-iamb-iamb-iamb 10
545 With children of their own; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
546 Their mother-hearts beset with fears, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
547 Their lives bound up in tender lives; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
548 Laura would call the little ones Trochee-iamb-iamb-iamb 28
549 And tell them of her early prime, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
550 Those pleasant days long gone Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
551 Of not-returning time: Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
552 Would talk about the haunted glen, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
553 The wicked, quaint fruit-merchant men, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
554 Their fruits like honey to the throat Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
555 But poison in the blood; Iamb-iamb-iamb 4
556 (Men sell not such in any town): Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
557 Would tell them how her sister stood Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
558 In deadly peril to do her good, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
559 And win the fiery antidote: Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
560 Then joining hands to little hands Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
561 Would bid them cling together, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
562 “For there is no friend like a sister Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 14
563 In calm or stormy weather; Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb (catalectic) 12
564 To cheer one on the tedious way, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
565 To fetch one if one goes astray, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
566 To lift one if one totters down, Iamb-iamb-iamb-iamb 3
567 To strengthen whilst one stands.” Iamb-iamb-iamb 4

Victorian
Web

Authors

The Pre-
Raphaelites

Christina
Rossetti

Last modified 1 August 2014