The white lids veil the large grey, lustrous eyes,

The auburn lashes sweep the sunlit cheeks,

Yet are they wet, and cling to the soft skin

Whereon the damp of tears is glazing fast.

Maremna’s sleep is not the sleep of rest,

For ever and anon the blood-red lips

Unclose, and strive to speak, but yet remain

Silent and speechless, tied by some dread force

Which intervenes, denying to the brain

That comfort which the power of speech doth bring.