HELEN'S of the goddess-height, Formed to lavish on the sight Lines to give the world delight; Rest and Motion there contend Which to her the more may lend, Grace and dignity to blend. Gentle as the turning tide Is her breathing, scarce espied Where the virgin gown doth hide; Yet increase of sympathy Makes her throbbing, like the sea, Fit your sorrow or your glee. For her quick responses reach Into regions beyond speech, Mating with the mood of each; Heaven having matched her form With a woman's heart as warm As first firelight after storm. Not less graciously was planned Her large, perfect, helpful hand With its hint of soft command; Fairest at her face it shows When her lips caress a rose, While her laughing lids half close. White and noble is her brow With the pureness of a vow Such as I am breathing now. Ever so, if Beauty could Be by mortals understood, It would bind us to the good. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO HIS SON, VINCENT CORBET, ON HIS THIRD BIRTHDAY by RICHARD CORBET THE SEA by BRYAN WALLER PROCTER SISTER HELEN by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI PIRATE STORY by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 31. AL-LATIF by EDWIN ARNOLD CIGARS AND BEER by GEORGE ARNOLD |