Who can tell me the name of this poem?

I received the following email today. I don't know the answer so I hope someone here does.

"Dear Sirs, please can you help, I am trying to find out the name of the poem which young indy read out for his teacher in the episode No3 'the perils of cupid."

I believe it to be one of sir Thomas Wyatt's poems, even if you cannot tell me the name of the poem will you be able to tell me the lines that he read out and from that I may be able to find the name of the poem.

It would mean so much to me if you can help."

Who can help us?

For those of us that don't have the series on tape, could someone post the text?

I think that a young Indy would've read Rupert Brooke.

He reads it froma book, doesn't he? I think I almost bought that particular original prop once. True story!

All I need is the first couplet, I'll be able to tell ya...

*spits on his English Major tin badge of Esoteric-ness to polish it brightly

I've got the tape at home (I'm at work now) so I'll look it up unless someone gets to it first.

Indy reads the poem during a literature lesson with Miss Seymour, so I'm sure its something classical.

The more I think about it, the better I remember it. The poem talks about how the poet feels (heart a-flutter, unable to concentrate, etc.) and the end of each phrase is "What means this?"

Maybe that will help.

Hmm...does anyone have anything more to go on? An exact phrase beyond "what means this?" Because I've come up with that from Pope, Shakespeare, and Goethe already...we need more to work with.

Aha! I've done it, and the Maryland Assembly's approved it! (never mind that last part)

The person who requested assistance is correct about one thing - Sir Thomas Wyatt is the one who should be remembered for it. Enjoy, fellow readers!

What Means This, When I Lie Alone?

What means this when I lie alone?
I toss, I turn, I sigh, I groan.
My bed me seems as hard as stone.
What means this?

I sigh, I plain continually.
The clothes that on my bed do lie
Always methink they lie awry.
What means this?

In slumbers oft for fear I quake.
For heat and cold I burn and shake.
For lack of sleep my head doth ache.
What means this?

A mornings then when I do rise
I turn unto my wonted guise,
All day after muse and devise.
What means this?

And if perchance by me there pass
She unto whom I sue for grace,
The cold blood forsaketh my face.
What means this?

But if I sit near her by
With loud voice my heart doth cry
And yet my mouth is dumb and dry.
What means this?

To ask for help no heart I have.
My tongue doth fail what I should crave.
Yet inwardly I rage and rave.
What means this?

Thus have I passed many year
And many a day, though naught appear
But most of that that most I fear.
What means this?


by Sir Thomas Wyatt

Somewhere back in the room, a lone bleary-eyed drunk raises his head, sniffs, and says "That was beautiful man" and passes out.

Seriously, great stuff Attila. You're the man.

I am humbled. Again, the Professor shows why he reigns supreme here at the Raven.

Aw, come off it guys! I just used Google! It was a nice poem though...

This is great!
Thanks a lot for your help Attila!

Well he ain't a Prof. for nothing!

Attila the Professor said:

Aw, come off it guys! I just used Google! It was a nice poem though...

Click to expand...

I love the honesty! Especially when everyone is thinking you wrote it from memory or something