The Sleeping Beauty.
Year after year unto her feet,1
The while she slumbereth alone,2
Over the purpled coverlet3
The maiden’s jet black hair hath grown,4
On either side her trancéd form5
Forth streaming from a braid of pearl6
The slumb’roud light is rich and warm,7
And moves not on the rounded curl.8
The silk star-braided coverlid9
Unto her limbs itself doth mould10
Languidly ever, and amid11
Her full black ringlets downward roll’d12
Glows forth each softly shadow’d arm,13
With bracelets of the diamond bright ;14
Her constant beauty doth inform15
Stillness with love and day with light.16
She sleeps ; her breathings are not heard17
In palace chambers far apart ;18
The fragrant tresses are not stirred19
That lie upon her charméd heart.20
She sleeps ; on either side upswells21
The gold fringed pillow lightly prest ;22
She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwells23
A perfect form in perfect rest.24