University of Virginia Library

FRAGMENT.

[Yes, she is fair, but in her heart of hearts]

Yes, she is fair, but in her heart of hearts,
The serpent sin, with all its tortuous folds,
Venom'd and fang'd, lies coil'd as in a brake;
Trust not her brow—though innocence doth seem
To set its seal there;—though each feature beams
With truth and gentleness, believe it not!
Within that seeming pure and guileless breast,
Wild passions dwell, unhoiy thoughts are met,
And riot holds its lawless carnival,
[OMITTED]
Fair forms consort not always with fair minds:
The spirit of beauty may have shed its light
On the rich temple; to the radiant heaven,
Its pinnacles may rise, and seem to catch
Its brightness, and the son may love to rest
Upon its sculptur'd columns; priceless gems
May flash their lustre on its porphyry walls,
And sparkle in its shrines, and yet within
Its inmost heart, corruption may have rear'd
Its ghastly throne—its sanctuaries may reek
With the foul orgies of a Bacchanal crew,
Or lowly round its flaming altars kneel
The votaries of Baal.