LA FEMME JALOUSE (TENIERS).
(Nov. 1826.)
Who shall describe what Pains they share,
Whom Doubts and jealous Terrors prove;
Who in their every Look declare
How much they feel, how much they love!
Thy Pencil here, fair Artist, shews
One Form the Tyrant-Passion wears;
But sure thy happier Bosom knows
No jealous Pangs, no trying Fears!
But, [though] thy Work demands our Praise,
Yet why thine own the Subject make? 10
Thou may’st indeed the Spirit raise,
But not thyself th’ Infection take.
Those Looks so pure, so bright, so clear,
Those ruby Lips and Eyes of Light,
Will many an anxious Hope and Fear
And many a jealous Pang excite.
Those Pangs which none can long conceal,
Disguise in Smiles or rule by Laws—
Some cause Them, but They cannot feel; 20
Some feel Them, but they cannot cause.
Thou from such cruel Pains art free,
By which the Heart of Man is tried;
For that which may be won by thee
[With] thee will, while it beats, abide.