[1] 1830. The knotted lies of human creeds.
[2] 1830. “Which” for “that”.
[3] 1830. Through and through.
[4] The reference is to Genesis xxxii. 24-32.
Madeline
First published in 1830.
1
Thou art not steep’d in golden languors,
No tranced summer calm is thine,
Ever varying Madeline.
Thro’[[1]] light and shadow thou dost range,
Sudden glances, sweet and strange,
Delicious spites and darling angers,
And airy[[2]] forms of flitting change.
2
Smiling, frowning, evermore,
Thou art perfect in love-lore.
Revealings deep and clear are thine
Of wealthy smiles: but who may know
Whether smile or frown be fleeter?
Whether smile or frown be sweeter,
Who may know?
Frowns perfect-sweet along the brow
Light-glooming over eyes divine,
Like little clouds sun-fringed, are thine,
Ever varying Madeline.
Thy smile and frown are not aloof
From one another,
Each to each is dearest brother;
Hues of the silken sheeny woof
Momently shot into each other.
All the mystery is thine;
Smiling, frowning, evermore,
Thou art perfect in love-lore,
Ever varying Madeline.