WHEN MY LOST LADY COMES AGAIN
Reading edition
WHEN my Lost Lady comes again With the glory of Old France, Her sweet form will speak to me Of the dames of dead romance. Ninon, Diane, whence died a king, In tourney, not in battle’s jar; Marguerite the Valois’ pride, Royal comrade of Navarre. De Fontanges, De Montespan, Ripe rose beauties such as these, Lily too of Fleur-de-Lys, Sad, frail, angel-eyed Louise. All De Sabran’s swift allures, All Du Barry’s silken wiles, Sunlight of the Pompadour’s When the Court said, “Lo, she smiles!” I will kiss their gracious hands, Kissing hers—for she will deign To my homage, when, ah when, My Lost Lady comes again!