[Editor: This poem by Charles Harpur was published in The Bushrangers; A Play in Five Acts, and Other Poems (1853). The poem was not given a title on its page in the book; however, it was listed on the Contents page as “Wherever in some wildwood Bower”.]
[Wherever in Some Wildwood Bower]
Wherever in some wildwood bower
There blooms a honey-yielding flower,
There too dwells a bird to sup
Out of its delicious cup,
And sing betimes, lest it should be
O’erfed into satiety:
So wherever Loveliness
Dwells retired — dwells to bless,
Not dazzle: there some destin’d spirit,
Feeding on its luscious merit,
Can at peace with Passion be
Only through sweet Poesy.
Source:
Charles Harpur, The Bushrangers; A Play in Five Acts, and Other Poems, Sydney: W. R. Piddington, 1853, page 105
Editor’s notes:
betimes = (archaic) in short time, soon, speedily (may also mean: early, before the usual time, in good time; at times, occasionally, sometimes)
bower = a shaded, leafy resting place or shelter, usually located within a garden or park and often made of latticework upon which plants (especially vines) are grown, or made out of intertwined tree boughs or vines (also known as an “arbor”) (“bower” may also refer to a country cottage or retreat, or to a woman’s bedroom or apartments in a medieval castle or mansion)
satiety = the state of being sated (having fed until feeling full; gratified to capacity; being satisfied to capacity by food or pleasure)
sup = to eat or drink; imbibe drink or food by drinking or eating in small amounts (small mouthfuls, sips, or spoonfuls), especially liquid foods (such as soup); drink; have supper, eat an evening meal
Old spelling in the original text:
o’erfed (overfed)
The Institute of Australian Culture
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