Page:Poems - Tennyson (1843) - Volume 1 of 2.djvu/17

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ISABEL.

Eyes not down-dropt nor over-bright, but fed
With the clear-pointed flame of chastity,
Clear, without heat, undying, tended by
Pure vestal thoughts in the translucent fane
Of her still spirit; locks not wide dispread,
Madonna-wise on either side her head;
Sweet lips whereon perpetually did reign
The summer calm of golden charity.
Were fixed shadows of thy fixed mood.
Revered Isabel, the crown and head,
The stately flower of female fortitude.
Of perfect wifehood and pure lowlihead.