She wore a gown of latest mode, soft blue That matched her eyes and made her golden hair A shining halo around her brow so fair. Her jewels, those she loved the best, were few, -- Two rings, one plain, the other jade's clear hue, Adorned her perfect hands; a necklace rare, Of dainty hand-wrought silver dared compare Its beauty with her throat. But ah! I knew, (And held my heart lest it should burst with pain!) That stilled were all those joyous notes that fell So blithely from her lips each day; in vain To her calm ears would I my fond hopes tell, For ne'er would ope those azure eyes again: -- God had her soul, and I, -- the lovely shell. |