FLING the lattice open, And the music plain you 'll hear; Lean out of the window, And you 'll see the lamplight clear. There, you see the palace Where the bridal is to-night. You may shut the window. Come here, to the light. Take this portrait with you, Look well before you go. She can scarce be altered Since a year ago. Women's hearts change lightly, (Truth both trite and olden!) But blue eyes remain blue; Golden hair stays golden. Once I knew two sisters: One was dark and grave As the tomb; one radiant And changeful as the wave. Now away, friend, quickly! Mix among the masks: Say you are the bride's friend, If the bridegroom asks. If the bride have dark hair, And an olive brow, Give her this gold bracelet; -- Come and let me know. If the bride have bright hair, And a brow of snow, In the great canal there Quick the portrait throw: And you 'll merely give her This poor faded flower. Thanks! now leave your stylet With me for an hour. You 're my friend: whatever I ask you now to do, If the case were altered, I would do for you. And you 'll promise me, my mother Shall never miss her son, If anything should happen Before the night is done. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON AN INVITATION TO THE UNITED STATES by THOMAS HARDY LOVE NOT by CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH SHERIDAN NORTON COME UP FROM THE FIELDS FATHER by WALT WHITMAN A PRAYER FOR LOVE by ELSA BARKER MOUNT RAINIER by HERBERT BASHFORD THE COMPLAINT by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN ASOLANDO: HUMILITY by ROBERT BROWNING |