FLING the lattice open, And the music plain you 'll hear; Lean out of the window, And you 'll see the lamplight clear. There, you see the palace Where the bridal is to-night. You may shut the window. Come here, to the light. Take this portrait with you, Look well before you go. She can scarce be altered Since a year ago. Women's hearts change lightly, (Truth both trite and olden!) But blue eyes remain blue; Golden hair stays golden. Once I knew two sisters: One was dark and grave As the tomb; one radiant And changeful as the wave. Now away, friend, quickly! Mix among the masks: Say you are the bride's friend, If the bridegroom asks. If the bride have dark hair, And an olive brow, Give her this gold bracelet; -- Come and let me know. If the bride have bright hair, And a brow of snow, In the great canal there Quick the portrait throw: And you 'll merely give her This poor faded flower. Thanks! now leave your stylet With me for an hour. You 're my friend: whatever I ask you now to do, If the case were altered, I would do for you. And you 'll promise me, my mother Shall never miss her son, If anything should happen Before the night is done. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CYNTHIA SLEEPING IN A GARDEN; A SONNET by PHILIP AYRES A SUMMER DAY by HENRY CHARLES BEECHING THE POWER OF WOMEN by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS A BALLAD OF THE HEATHER by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT ARMELLE NICHOLAS'S ACCOUNT OF HERSELF by JOHN BYROM VERMONT MORGANS by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY ON SEEING A YOUTH AFFECTIONATELY WELCOMED BY A SISTER by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |