Friendship's Fragrant Fancies

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1905 Excerpt: ... COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON. Beneath Blessington's eyes The reclaimed paradise Should be free as the former from evil; But if the new Eve For an apple should grieve What mortal would not play the devil.--Lord Byron. Queen of a laurelled, bygone age Thy triumphs brighten many a page, For history too hath served thy art And given to thee a name apart. The canvas shows thy youthful face Where mellowed genius left its trace, Yet did the artist still regret Thy subtle charms were but half met. Was it the smile upon thy lips Which cupid's own had not eclipsed, That made thy conquest so replete And brought thy lovers to thy feet: Was it the shrug of shoulders bare, So round and smooth and softly fair, Made each gallant boast he had won Thy favor, Countess Blessington? Was it thy hand, my belle coquette, That brushed in lightest minuet Those fingers burning to ensnare Thine own forever--did they dare? Was it thy forehead broad and fine, Of brilliant thought the noble shrine And crowned with tresses dark and soft, With glistening diadem aloft? Perhaps it was thy regal way, For who held prestige in that day Of learning and of chivalry My lady, when all bowed to thee? Was it thy repartee so fit Like sparks of fire struck from thy wit? Or was it (ah! reflection sad!) Thou wert not good--nor yet so bad., Nay, in thine eyes lay all the spell; Each courtier knew that full well. Such eyes! A thousand witching arts Settled therein their poignant darts; And played through every luring mood From lightest mirth to solitude Flashing like stormy threatened skies--Alack! for they were Irish eyes. Nor did they laugh with sudden thought E'en while thy very lips told naught, Now deepen darkly with a glance That seemed some mystery to enhance. Now upward rise in keen rebuke Upon presumi...