Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BETRAYED by JOHN BANISTER TABB

First Line: WHEN FIRST, A NEWBORN BABE, HE SMILED
Last Line: "IN SLEEP AND WHISPERED -- ""LOVE."
Subject(s): LOVE;

When first, a new-born babe, he smiled,
Ere yet a name was given,
We knew not if the stranger child
Were more of earth or heaven.

His eyes, twin dewdrops, took the light
Of noonday's perfect blue:
His cheeks, young apple-blossoms white,
To warmer blushes grew.

His lips -- a rosy oracle,
And fragrant as a flower's --
Like breathing petals, seemed to tell
Of sweeter thoughts than ours.

His name? -- It is a balmy word
Of sound and silence wove;
We caught it when an echo stirred
In sleep and whispered -- "Love."



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