O lady fair, with your laughing eyes, And your mouth so inexpressibly sweet, Your proud nose and your bunches of curls, And your low-cut gown with its ruche so neat: You're different from other old portraits I've seen, With rosebud mouths -- their charms to enhance -- @3Yours@1 is a gracious, queenly mouth; But they tell me you reigned in the Court of France. Who was the artist who painted you? Surely 'twas not your sad-eyed brother; Though an artist of skill he was said to have been, I cannot but believe the artist was a lover. For only one who @3loved@1 could paint That mystic, unfathomable something which lies Beneath the light and laughter In those wonderful laughing eyes. And only one who had kissed those lips In ecstasy of love complete, Could paint a mouth -- queenly and gracious, And yet, @3so inexpressibly sweet@1. |