Skip to content
1849–1916

THE GUDEWIFE

James Whitcomb Riley

My gudewife — she that is tae be — O she sall seeme sang-sweete tae me As her ain croon tuned wi’ the chiel's Or spinnin’ - wheel's.

An’ faire she'll be, an’ saft, an’ light, An’ muslin-bright As her spick apron, jimpy laced The-round her waiste.—

Yet aye as rosy sall she bloome Intil the roome ( The where alike baith bake an’ dine ) As a full-fine

Ripe rose, lang rinset wi’ the raine, Sun-kist againe,— Sall seate me at her table-spread, White as her bread.—

Where I, sae kissen her for grace, Sall see her face Smudged, yet aye sweeter, for the bit O’ floure on it,

Whiles, witless, she sall sip wi’ me Luve's tapmaist-bubblin’ ecstasy.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE GUDEWIFE · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove