by Keats · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A mock-sonnet comically torn between the bagpipe and a sentimental play heard at Inverary. It is a light satire of taste built on music and song in a Scottish setting.
Connections
Motifs: Music and Song Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society Forms & Genres: Sonnet, Satire Settings: Scotland the Highlands
Testo integrale / Full text
Seeing ‘The Stranger’ Played at Inverary
Of late two dainties were before me plac’d
Sweet, holy, pure, sacred and innocent,
From the ninth sphere to me benignly sent
That Gods might know my own particular taste:
First the soft Bagpipe moum’d with zealous haste,
The Stranger next with head on bosom bent
Sigh’d; rueful again the piteous Bagpipe went,
Again the Stranger sighings fresh did waste.
O Bagpipe thou didst steal my heart away -
O Stranger thou my nerves from Pipe didst charm - 10
O Bagpipe thou didst reassert thy sway -
Again thou Stranger gav’st me fresh alarm -
Alas! I could not choose. Ah! my poor heart.
Mum chance art thou with both oblig’d to part.