Part 2 — VILLANELLE OF HIS LADY'S TREASURES
Reading edition
I took her dainty eyes, as well 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.
It may be, said I, who can tell, These things shall be my less despair? And so I made a Villanelle!
I took her whiteness virginal And from her cheeks 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!
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.
Ernest Dowson [1867-1900]