HELEN'S of the goddess-height, Formed to lavish on the sight Lines to give the world delight; Rest and Motion there contend Which to her the more may lend, Grace and dignity to blend. Gentle as the turning tide Is her breathing, scarce espied Where the virgin gown doth hide; Yet increase of sympathy Makes her throbbing, like the sea, Fit your sorrow or your glee. For her quick responses reach Into regions beyond speech, Mating with the mood of each; Heaven having matched her form With a woman's heart as warm As first firelight after storm. Not less graciously was planned Her large, perfect, helpful hand With its hint of soft command; Fairest at her face it shows When her lips caress a rose, While her laughing lids half close. White and noble is her brow With the pureness of a vow Such as I am breathing now. Ever so, if Beauty could Be by mortals understood, It would bind us to the good. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE RHINE by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES THE THRUSH'S NEST by JOHN CLARE THE IRISH RAPPAREES; A PEASANT BALLAD OF 1691 by CHARLES GAVAN DUFFY THE OLD MAN DREAMS by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 52 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN EPITHALAMIUM by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE CRICKET by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT |