Flown, like a thought, until the morrow-day; As though a rose should shut, and be a bud again. XXVIII. Stolen to this paradise, and so entranced, 240 245 And listen'd to her breathing, if it chanced To wake into a slumberous tenderness; Which when he heard, that minute did he bless, And breathed himself: then from the closet crept, 250 And over the hush'd carpet, silent, stept, And 'tween the curtains peep'd, where, lo!—how fast she slept. XXIX. Then by the bedside, where the faded moon The hall-door shuts again, and all the noise is gone. XXX. And still she slept an azure-lidded sleep, 255 260 In blanchéd linen, smooth, and lavender'd, While he from forth the closet brought a heap Of candied apple, quince, and plum, and gourd; 265 With jellies soother than the creamy curd, And lucent syrups, tinct with cinnamon; Manna and dates, in argosy transferr'd From Fez; and spicéd dainties, every one, From silken Samarcand to cedar'd Lebanon. 270 XXXI. These delicates he heap'd with glowing hand Filling the chilly room with perfume light. 275 Or I shall drowse beside thee, so my soul doth ache." XXXII. Thus whispering, his warm, unnervéd arm 280 Sank in her pillow. Shaded was her dream By the dusk curtains: - 'twas a midnight charm 285 The lustrous salvers in the moonlight gleam; XXXIII. Awakening up, he took her hollow lute, Tumultuous, and, in chords that tenderest be, In Provence call'd " La belle dame sans mercy : He ceased - she panted quick — and suddenly Her blue affrayéd eyes wide open shone: Upon his knees he sank, pale as smooth-sculptured stone. XXXIV. Her eyes were open, but she still beheld, 290 295 Now wide awake, the vision of her sleep: 300 At which fair Madeline began to weep, XXXV. 305 · Ah, Porphyro!" said she, "but even now Thy voice was at sweet tremble in mine ear, Made tuneable with every sweetest vow; And those sad eyes were spiritual and clear: 310 How changed thou art! how pallid, chill, and drear! Give me that voice again, my Porphyro, Those looks immortal, those complainings dear! Oh leave me not in this eternal woe, For if thou diest, my Love, I know not where to go." 315 XXXVI. Beyond a mortal man impassion'd far At these voluptuous accents, he arose, Ethereal, flush'd, and like a throbbing star Seen 'mid the sapphire heaven's deep repose: 320 Solution sweet: meantime the frost-wind blows Like Love's alarum pattering the sharp sleet Against the window-panes; St. Agnes' moon hath set. XXXVII. 'Tis dark quick pattereth the flaw-blown sleet: 325 330 A dove forlorn and lost with sick unprunéd wing.” XXXVIII. "My Madeline! sweet dreamer! lovely bride! Say, may I be for aye thy vassal blest? 335 Thy beauty's shield, heart-shaped and vermeil dyed? Though I have found, I will not rob thy nest Saving of thy sweet self; if thou think'st well To trust, fair Madeline, to no rude infidel." XXXIX. "Hark! 'tis an elfin storm from faery land, 340 345 350 For o'er the southern moors I have a home for thee." XL. She hurried at his words, beset with fears, For there were sleeping dragons all around, Down the wide stairs a darkling way they found; 355 360 XLI. They glide, like phantoms, into the wide hall; With a huge empty flagon by his side: The wakeful bloodhound rose, and shook his hide, But his sagacious eye an inmate owns: By one and one, the bolts full easy slide: The chains lie silent on the footworn stones; The key turns, and the door upon its hinges groans. XLII. And they are gone: ay, ages long ago That night the Baron dreamt of many a woe, And all his warrior-guests, with shade and form ODE TO A NIGHTINGALE. My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk: Of beechen green, and shadows numberless O for a draught of vintage, that hath been Tasting of Flora and the country-green, Dance, and Provençal song, and sun-burnt mirth! 365 370 375 5 ΙΟ |