THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. I. YEAR after year unto her feet, She lying on her couch alone, Across the purpled coverlet, The maiden's jet-black hair has grown, On either side her tranced form Forth streaming from a braid of pearl : The slumbrous light is rich and warm, And moves not on the rounded curl. II. The silk star-broider'd coverlid Unto her limbs itself doth mould Languidly ever; and, amid Her full black ringlets downward roll'd, Glows forth each softly-shadow'd arm With bracelets of the diamond bright : Her constant beauty doth inform Stillness with love, and day with light. III. She sleeps her breathings are not heard In palace chambers far apart. The fragrant tresses are not stirr'd That lie upon her charmed heart. She sleeps on either hand upswells The gold-fringed pillow lightly prest: She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwells A perfect form in perfect rest. THE ARRIVAL. I. ALL precious things, discover'd late, To those that seek them issue forth; For love in sequel works with fate, And draws the veil from hidden worth. He travels far from other skies His mantle glitters on the rocks A fairy Prince, with joyful eyes, And lighter-footed than the fox. II. The bodies and the bones of those Or scatter'd blanching on the grass. 'They perish'd in their daring deeds.' This proverb flashes thro' his head, 'The many fail: the one succeeds.' III. He comes, scarce knowing what he seeks : He breaks the hedge: he enters there : The colour flies into his cheeks : He trusts to light on something fair; For all his life the charm did talk About his path, and hover near With words of promise in his walk, And whisper'd voices at his ear. IV. More close and close his footsteps wind: The Magic Music in his heart Beats quick and quicker, till he find The quiet chamber far apart. The spirit flutters like a lark, He stoops-to kiss her-on his knee. 'Love, if thy tresses be so dark, How dark those hidden eyes must be !' THE REVIVAL. I. A TOUCH, a kiss! the charm was snapt. A breeze thro' all the garden swept, And sixty feet the fountain leapt. II. The hedge broke in, the banner blew, The butler drank, the steward scrawl'd, The fire shot up, the martin flew, The parrot scream'd, the peacock squall'd, |