The Regret of the Ranee in the Hall of Peacocks

Read 'The Regret of the Ranee in the Hall of Peacocks' by 'Adela Florence Cory Nicolson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Regret of the Ranee in the Hall of Peacocks by Adela Florence Cory Nicolson

   The tropic day's redundant charms
     Cool twilight soothes away,
   The sun slips down behind the palms
     And leaves the landscape grey.
           I want to take you in my arms
           And kiss your lips away!

   I wake with sunshine in my eyes
     And find the morning blue,
   A night of dreams behind me lies
     And all were dreams of you!
           Ah, how I wish the while I rise,
           That what I dream were true.

   The weary day's laborious pace,
     I hasten and beguile
   By fancies, which I backwards trace
     To things I loved erstwhile;
           The weary sweetness of your face,
           Your faint, illusive smile.

   The silken softness of your hair
     Where faint bronze shadows are,
   Your strangely slight and youthful air,
     No passions seem to mar,—
           Oh, why, since Fate has made you fair,
           Must Fortune keep you far?

   Thus spent, the day so long and bright
     Less hot and brilliant seems,
   Till in a final flare of light
     The sun withdraws his beams.
           Then, in the coolness of the night,
           I meet you in my dreams!

Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace