"Haste, Anna! Did you hear me call? My mirror, quick! The hours advance: To-night I'm going to the Ball At the Ambassador's of France. Just think—those bows were fresh and fair Last eve—ah! beauty fades apace: See, from the net that binds my hair The azure tassels droop with grace. Your hands are awkward, girl, to-night— These sapphires well become my brow: A pin has pricked me—set it right— Dear Anna, I look charming now! He, whom my fancy has beguiled (Anna, my robe!) will be a guest— (Fie, fie! that's not my necklace, child! Those beads the Holy Father blest). Oh! should his hand my fingers press (At the mere thought I tremble, dear), To-morrow, should I dare confess The truth in Père Anselmo's ear? Give me my gloves—now, all is well— In the tall glass one final glance— To-night, I long to be the @3belle@1 At the Ambassador's of France." Close to the hearth she stood and gazed: O God! a spark ignites her dress— "Fire! Help!" When every hope was raised, How sad such death for loveliness! The flame voluptuously gnaws Her arms—her breast—around—above— And swallows with unpitying jaws Her eighteen years, her dreams of love! Farewell to all youth's visions gay! They only said: "Ah! poor Constance!" "And waltzed until the dawn of day At the Ambassador's of France. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ERASMUS by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THRENODY by RALPH WALDO EMERSON A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 8 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN ANIMALS, AND THEIR COUNTRIES by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD MARCELIA; A TRAGICOMEDY. SONG by FRANCES BOOTHBY LOVE SONGS: 8 by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) ASOLANDO: 'IMPERANTE AUGUSTO NATUS EST' by ROBERT BROWNING |