The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
I. |
II. |
III. |
IV. |
V. |
VI. |
I. |
II. |
VII. |
VIII. |
IX. |
X. |
XI. |
The Poetical Works of George Barlow | ||
143
VI. MY “DUCHESS”
I
They call thee “Duchess.” Calm and proudAnd cold, and full of high disdain,
Thou movest, starlike, through the crowd
Who scoff, and scoff in vain.
II
They know not, these, poor soulless clodsWhose vulgar touch and glance degrade,
That sovereign sweetness brings a God's
Most sovereign arm to aid.
III
They know not that the “Duchess”' powerFrom her own jewel of pureness springs;
That, while her lips are like a flower,
Her chainless soul has wings.
144
IV
Be “Duchess” ever—brave and strong,Most cold to all unworthy of thee;
And charm the myriads with thy song,
But with thy kiss charm me!
The Poetical Works of George Barlow | ||