She Is Not Fair
Reading edition
She is not fair to other eyes— No poet’s dream is she, Nor artist’s inspiration, yet I would not have her be. She wanders not through princely halls, A crown upon her hair; Her heart awaits a single king Because she is not fair. Dear lips, your half-shy tenderness Seems far too much to win! Yet, has your heart a tiny door Where I may peep within? That voiceless chamber, dim and sweet, I pray may be my own. Dear little Love, may I come in And make you mine alone? She is not fair to other eyes— I would not have it so; She needs no further charm or grace Or aught wealth may bestow; For when the love light shines and makes Her dear face glorified— Ah Sweetheart! queens may come and go And all the world beside.