Poems, Chiefly Lyrical/The Sleeping Beauty
For works with similar titles, see Sleeping Beauty.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.
I.Year after year unto her feet, The while she slumbereth alone,Over the purpled coverlet The maiden's jetblack hair hath grown,On either side her trancéd form Forthstreaming from a braid of pearl;The slumbrous light is rich and warm, And moves not on the rounded curl.
II.The silk starbraided coverlidUnto her limbs itself doth mouldLanguidly ever, and amidHer full black ringlets downward rolledGlows forth each softly-shadowed arm,With bracelets of the diamond bright;Her constant beauty doth informStillness with love and day with light.
III.She sleeps; her breathings are not heardIn palacechambers far apart;The fragrant tresses are not stirredThat lie upon her charméd heart.She sleeps; on either side upswellsThe goldfringed pillow lightly prest;She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwellsA perfect form in perfect rest.