phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Line from what poem?

Posted by Bob on August 11, 2000

In Reply to: Line from what poem? posted by Btd on August 11, 2000

: : "...the Bishop of ________, in his mouse tower on the Rhine."
: : Some fifty years ago, in High School, we read this line from some poem. Just a few years ago I found out what a mouse tower was, and would now like to know what the poem was.

: So,--- what's a mouse tower?

It's "The Children's Hour" sentimental hogwash by Longfellow.
Text:
Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day's occupations That is known as the Children's Hour.
I hear in the chamber above me The patter of little feet, The sound of a door that is opened, And voices soft and sweet. From my study I see in the lamplight, Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra, And Edith with golden hair. A whisper, and then a silence: Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together To take me by surprise. A sudden rush from the stairway, A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall! They climb up into my turret 0'er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me; They seem to be everywhere. They almost devour me with kisses, Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine! Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti, Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am Is not a match for you all! I have you fast in my fortress, And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon In the round-tower of my heart. And there will I keep you forever, Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin, And moulder in dust away!

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.