Poems (Tennyson, 1833)/The Sisters

by Alfred Tennyson

For other versions of this work, see The Sisters (Tennyson).

THE SISTERS

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I.
We were two daughters of one race:
She was the fairest in the face:
 The wind is blowing in turret an' tree.
They were together, and she fell;
Therefore revenge became me well.
 O the Earl was fair to see!

II.
She died: she went to burning flame:
She mixed her ancient blood with shame.
 The wind is howling in turret an' tree.
Whole weeks and months, and early and late,
To win his love I lay in wait:
 O the Earl was fair to see"

III.
I made a feast; I bad him come:
I won his love, I brought him home.
 The wind is roaring in turret an' tree.
And after supper, on a bed,
Upon my lap he laid his head:
 O the Earl was fair to see!

IV.
I kissed his eyelids into rest;
His ruddy cheek upon my breast.
 The wind is raging in turret an' tree.
I hated him with the hate of hell,
But I loved his beauty passing well.
 O the Earl was fair tu see!

V.
I rose up in the silent night:
I made my dagger sharp and bright.
 The wind is raving in turret an' tree.
As half-asleep his breath he drew,
Three times I stabbed him through and through.
 O the Earl was fair to see!

VI.
I curled and combed his comely head,
He looked so grand when he was dead.
 The wind is blowing in turret an' tree.
I wrapped his body in the sheet,
And laid him at his mother's feet.
 O the Earl was fair to see!