Lesson 3: The Sands of Dee

A Listen to the poem. Read it aloud in groups.

The Sands of Dee

• Charles Kingsley

"O Mary, go and call the cattle home, And call the cattle home, And call the cattle home Across the sands of Dee!" The western wind was wild and dank with foam, And all alone went she.

The western tide crept up along the sand, And o'er and o'er the sand, And round and round the sand, As far as eye could see. The rolling mist came down and hid the land And never home came she.

"Oh! Is it weed, or fish, or floating hair, A tress of golden hair, A drowned maiden's hair Above the nets at sea? Was never salmon yet that shone so fair Among the stakes of Dee?"

They rowed her in across the rolling foam. The cruel crawling foam, The cruel hungry foam, To her grave beside the sea: But still the boatman hear her call the cattle home Across the sands of Dee.

B Answer these questions.

1. What was the weather like when Mary went to bring the cattle home?
2. Look at some words, phrases and sentences that have been repeated several times. Explain why the poet has done that.
3. How has the poet described the sea?
4. Narrate the story of Mary in your own words.
5. Suppose you were walking on the shore with a couple of your friends while Mary was drowning. Describe what you would have done.