Thomas Hood (1799–1845) is not really one of the famous names of the romantic era of poetry. His best-known poem today is probably “I Remember, I Remember”, but I have chosen the one below instead.
It uses simple, straightforward language with short lines and almost gives the impression it was written for children. With a haunting, dreamlike feel, it is like a compendium of some of the preoccupations of the romantic poets: the night, the feminine, water, the moment of vision.
It has a strongly visual quality and reads like the verbal equivalent of a Pre-Raphaelite painting. I like to think it inspired a painting by a forgotten Victorian artist that is still out there somewhere.
The Water Lady by Thomas Hood
Alas, the moon should ever beam
To show what man should never see!
I saw a maiden on a stream,
And fair was she!
I stayed awhile, to see her throw
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow
With clouds of jet.
I stayed a little while to view
Her cheek, that wore in place of red
The bloom of water, tender blue,
Daintily spread.
I stayed to watch, a little space,
Her parted lips if she would sing;
The waters closed above her face
With many a ring.
And still I stayed a little more,
Alas! she never comes again;
I throw my flowers from the shore,
And watch in vain.
I know my life will fade away,
I know that I must vainly pine,
For I am made of mortal clay,
But she’s divine!
The Good Reader 