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And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is…

“And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees, When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, When the road is a gypsy's ribbon looping the purple moor, The highwayman comes riding-- Riding--riding-- The highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door. Over…” quote by Alfred Noyes
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““And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees, When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, When the road is a gypsy's ribbon looping the purple moor, The highwayman comes riding-- Riding--riding-- The highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door. Over the cobbles he clatters and clangs in the dark inn-yard, He taps with his whip on the shutters, but all is locked and barred, He whistles a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there But the landlord's black-eyed daughter-- Bess, the landlord's daughter-- Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.””

Alfred Noyes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A lover awaits a daring rider, their secret meeting set against a stormy night, highlighting longing and danger.

In simple terms: A lover waits for a daring rider on a stormy night.

Key Takeaway

Cherish secret moments despite danger.

Themes

love danger anticipation loyalty

Mood

melancholy hopeful tense

Type

poetic dramatic romantic

When to use this quote

  • secret rendezvous
  • dangerous travel
  • stormy weather
  • emotional tension

Key Concepts

romanticism heroic archetype night imagery

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks are you willing to take for love?
  • How does danger intensify affection?
A Different Perspective

The romance may mask the peril of reckless bravery.

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