ISABELLA. I. FAIR Isabel, poor simple Isabel! Lorenzo, a young palmer in Love's eye! They could not in the self-same mansion dwell Without some stir of heart, some malady; They could not sit at meals but feel how well It soothed each to be the other by ; They could not, sure, beneath the same roof sleep, But to each other dream, and nightly weep. II. With every morn their love grew tenderer, To her, than noise of trees or hidden rill; III. He knew whose gentle hand was at the latch, IV. A whole long month of May in this sad plight Made their cheeks paler by the break of June: "To-morrow will I bow to my delight, To-morrow will I ask my lady's boon." "O may I never see another night, Lorenzo, if thy lips breathe not love's tune.". So spake they to their pillows; but, alas, Honeyless days and days did he let pass: V. Until sweet Isabella's untouch'd cheek VI. So said he one fair morning, and all day For power to speak; but still the ruddy tide Fever'd his high conceit of such a bride, Yet brought him to the meekness of a child: Alas! when passion is both meek and wild! VII. So once more he had waked and anguished And straight all flush'd; so, lisped tenderly, "Lorenzo !"-here she ceased her timid quest, But in her tone and look he read the rest. VIII. "O Isabella! I can half perceive That I may speak my grief into thine ear; If thou didst ever anything believe, Believe how I love thee, believe how near My soul is to its doom: I would not grieve Thy hand by unwelcome pressing, would not fear Thine eyes by gazing; but I cannot live Another night, and not my passion shrive. |