His hand was on his harp, yet thence its touch

Had drawn but broken strains; and many stood

Waiting around, in silent earnestness,

Th’ unchaining of his soul, the gush of song—

Many and graceful forms!—yet one alone

Seem’d present to his dream; and she, indeed,

With her pale virgin brow, and changeful cheek,

And the clear starlight of her serious eyes,

Lovely amidst the flowing of dark locks

And pallid braiding flowers, was beautiful,