Page:Poems - volume 1 - EBBrowning (1844).pdf/261

 And I heard a voice that pleaded ever on, in accents stronger, As a sense of reason gave it power to make its rhetoric good.

Well I knew that voice—it was an earl's, of soul that matched his station— Of a soul complete in lordship—might and right read on his brow: Very finely courteous—far too proud to doubt his domination Of the common people,—he atones for grandeur by a bow.

High straight forehead, nose of eagle, cold blue eyes, of less expression Than resistance,—coldly casting off the looks of other men, As steel, arrows,—unelastic lips, which seem to taste possession, And be cautious lest the common air should injure or distrain.