The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson Edited, with an introduction, by Desmond Flower |
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VILLANELLE OF HIS LADY'S TREASURES |
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| II. |
 | The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson |  |
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VILLANELLE OF HIS LADY'S TREASURES
I took her dainty eyes, as well
As silken tendrils of her hair:
And so I made a Villanelle!
As silken tendrils of her hair:
And so I made a Villanelle!
I took her voice, a silver bell,
As clear as song, as soft as prayer;
I took her dainty eyes as well.
As clear as song, as soft as prayer;
I took her dainty eyes as well.
It may be, said I, who can tell,
These things shall be my less despair?
And so I made a Villanelle!
These things shall be my less despair?
And so I made a Villanelle!
I took her whiteness virginal
And from her cheek two roses rare:
I took her dainty eyes as well.
And from her cheek two roses rare:
I took her dainty eyes as well.
I said: ‘It may be possible
Her image from my heart to tear!’
And so I made a Villanelle.
Her image from my heart to tear!’
And so I made a Villanelle.
I stole her laugh, most musical:
I wrought it in with artful care;
I took her dainty eyes as well;
And so I made a Villanelle.
I wrought it in with artful care;
I took her dainty eyes as well;
And so I made a Villanelle.
| The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson | |