Page:The Venetian Bracelet.pdf/29

18

—And must they meet first in a careless crowd? This was a moment's grief; though she felt proud That he should see how well she could beseem Her present rank, yet keep her early dream; See her the worship'd of the courtly throng, Sigh of each lip, and idol of each song; Hear the fair flatteries offer'd, yet behold Her courtesy so graceful, but so cold; And know it was for him her heart's young throne Was ever kept, the lovely and the lone.

O pleasant was that night the toilet's care— What broider'd robe to don, what gems to wear! Her hair was parted on her brow, each braid Black as the dark-wing'd raven's darkest shade,