But amid all the loveliest faces,
Show me but one of your height and graces,—
If but the gods would let me choose I
Exquisite rose of perfection! soon
You can no longer hide; and then.
When your bright face from the balcony shines,
Under your window will hang, as at shrines,
Rosaries—made from the hearts of men."
"TO ELENA FUENTES.
"If for beautiful Helen of old,
Chosen by Paris, a city fell.
And heroes of Greece spent life and gold,
How many Troys, under Fate's grim spell.
Would perish by fire and sword for thee,
If each one who sees thee might Paris be!"
It will be seen, that, although in these songs there is no very marked degree of originality in thought or sentiment, there is yet a most dexterous handling of the similes which have been used to illustrate woman's loveliness through so many centuries, and an aptness of phrasing which often puts them in a new light. There is, besides, a great cleverness in the use of poetical forms, and evidence of much practical experience in their use,—a good stock of tools, and skilful hands
