How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Mocks married men; for thus sings he […]
Cuckoo, cuckoo: Oh word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear! (14-15, 17-18)
"Spring" ends with the mocking refrain introduced at the end of stanza 1. That means that the song's final two lines drive home that notion that nature (the cuckoo's song) mocks the manmade notion of monogamous marriage. It sounds like Mother Nature must have been single. For all of you considering having a poem or song be part of your marriage ceremony, we strongly suggest avoiding this one.