Poems of Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) in Heath’s Book of Beauty, 1839/Mrs Maberly

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2446134Landon in Heath’s Book of Beauty, 1839Lines of the Portrait of Mrs. Maberly1838Letitia Elizabeth Landon

Mrs. Maberley, painted by A. E. Challon, engraved by William Henry Mote


MRS. MABERLY

Painted by A. E. Chalon R. A.Engraved by W. H. Mote



LINES ON THE

PORTRAIT OF MRS. MABERLY.

BY L. E. L.

What may be the music
    Wandering from the chords?
Does some air Italian,
    Scarcely need of words?

Is the strain of sadness,
    When the spirit’s wings
Deepen with the shadows
    Of remembered things?

Are the notes more mirthful,
    Waking in the heart
All those pleasant fancies,
    Which so soon depart?

Tell me, lovely ladye,
    Who art leaning there,
In the golden shadow
    Of thy golden hair—

Of what art thou singing?
    Yet in vain I ask;
Many moods doth music
    Bring its graceful task.

Strange must be the sorrow,
    Dark must be the hour,
Which would not, bright ladye,
    Own thy harp and power.