It was a beauty that I saw,— So pure, so perfect, as the frame Of all the universe were lame To that one figure, could I draw, Or give least line of it a law: A skein of silk without a knot! A fair march made without a halt! A curious form without a fault! A printed book without a blot! All beauty!—and without a spot.
From “The Vision of Delight” BREAK, Fantasy, from thy cave of cloud, And spread thy purple wings, Now all thy figures are allowed, And various shapes of things; Create of airy forms a stream, It must have blood, and naught of phlegm; And though it be a waking dream, Yet let it like an odor...
From the Greek of Philostratus From “The Forest” DRINK to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I ’ll not look for wine. The thirst that from the soul doth rise Doth ask a drink divine; But might I of Jove’s nectar sup, I would not...
See the chariot at hand here of Love! Wherein my lady rideth! Each that draws is a swan, or a dove, And well the car Love guideth. As she goes, all hearts do duty Unto her beauty. And, enamored, do wish, so they might But enjoy such a sight, That they still were to...
From “Epicœne; or, the Silent Woman,” Act I. Sc. 1. STILL to be neat, still to be drest, As you were going to a feast; Still to be powdered, still perfumed,— Lady, it is to be presumed, Though art’s hid causes are not found, All is not sweet, all is not sound. Give me a look, give me a face,...
To draw no envy, Shakespeare, on thy name, Am I thus ample to thy book and fame; While I confess thy writings to be such As neither man nor Muse can praise too much.* * * * * Soul of the age! The applause, delight, the wonder of our stage! My...
