THOMAS EDWARD BROWN 1830-97

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I BENDED UNTO ME

I bended unto me a bough of May,

That I might see and smell:

It bore it in a sort of way,

It bore it very well.

But, when I let it backward sway,

Then it were hard to tell

With what a toss, with what a swing,

The dainty thing

Resumed its proper level,

And sent me to the devil.

I know it did - you doubt it?

I turned, and saw them whispering about it.

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Usually known as T.E. Brown, this Isle of Man poet was a well-respected scholar, teacher and theologian. Among his works, quite a number are written in the dialect spoken on the Isle of Man.

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