by Coleridge · Cluster: Imagination · Fragment · Heroic Couplet
Abstract
An extended simile of a shy hind lured by a shepherd’s flute, broken off; a delicate fragment of love, music and the tame yet fearful creature drawn by song.
Connections
Topoi: Locus Amoenus Motifs: Animals, Music and Song Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Fragment
Testo integrale / Full text
As the shy hind, the soft-eyed gentle Brute
Now moves, now stops, approaches by degrees —
At length emerges from the shelt’ring Trees,
Lur’d by her Hunter with the Shepherd’s flute,
Whose music travelling on the twilight breeze,
When all besides was mute —
She oft had heard, and ever lov’d to hear;
She fearful Beast! but that no sound of Fear ——
Undated. Now first published from an MS.