Page:The Venetian Bracelet.pdf/210



Chance notes struck from the lute—fancies and thoughts— Shadows that haunt the poet's fairy land.

Love's words are writ on rose-leaves, but with tears.

These are the dreams that light my solitude: Warrior thoughts—had I been a young knight, And curb'd a gallant steed, and worn a sword,— Heaven knows I often wish it!—sadness, signs I fancy many a cheek betrays of love; Records of beauty, that has seem'd to me A thing for worship; thoughts that sprung from flowers; Feelings on which to meditate is all Woman's philosophy; sorrows that flung Darkness upon my heart; unkindness, wrong, Gentle affection too; all that hath made My minstrel annals, are upon these leaves.