Page:Ethel Churchill Fragments II.pdf/7



Many were lovely there; but, of that many, Was one who looked the loveliest of any— The youthful countess. On her cheek the dies Were crimson with the morning's exercise; The laugh upon her full red lip yet hung; And, arrow-like, light words flashed from her tongue. She had more loveliness than beauty—hers Was that enchantment which the heart confers. A mouth, sweet from its smiles; a large dark eye, That had o'er all expression mastery, Laughing the orb, but yet the long lash made Somewhat of sadness with its twilight shade; And suiting well the upcast look that seemed, At times, as it of melancholy dreamed: Her cheek was as a rainbow, it so changed As each emotion o'er its surface ranged— Her face was full of feeling.