Classic Poem

H ELEN'S of the goddess-height,
Formed to lavish on the sight
Lines to give the world delight;
Rest and Motion there contend
Which to her the more may lend,
Grace and dignity to blend.

Gentle as the turning tide
Is her breathing, scarce espied
Where the virgin gown doth hide;
Yet increase of sympathy
Makes her throbbing, like the sea,
Fit your sorrow or your glee.

For her quick responses reach
Into regions beyond speech,
Mating with the mood of each;
Heaven having matched her form
With a woman's heart as warm
As first firelight after storm.

Not less graciously was planned
Her large, perfect, helpful hand
With its hint of soft command;
Fairest at her face it shows
When her lips caress a rose,
While her laughing lids half close.

White and noble is her brow
With the pureness of a vow
Such as I am breathing now.
Ever so, if Beauty could
Be by mortals understood,
It would bind us to the good.