Classic Poem

Fair of the fairest,
Rare of the rarest,
Queen of them all is Francesca, I swear!
Oh! for a sight of her!
Oh! for the right of her!
Oh! for delight of her
Fainteth my soul — but it's not with despair!

For, dear Aphrodite,
Exquisite, flighty,
Queen as thou art of the gods and us men,
Prostrate before thee,
Hear, I adore thee!
Restore I implore thee
This darlingest girl to my passionate ken!

Sure an' thou hearest!
Sure an' my dearest
Longs, as I long, to renew the embrace!
Sure as my vows are thine,
So her true heart is mine! —

" Cease, fool, to weep and pine.
Dreams but of thine that unspeakable face. "