A Lovely Woman

Now I can see what Helen was:

Men cannot see this woman pass

And be not stirred; as Summer’s Breeze

Sets leaves in battle on the trees.

A woman moving gracefully,

With golden hair enough for three,

Which, mercifully! is not loose,

But lies in coils to her head close;

With lovely eyes, so dark and blue,

So deep, so warm, they burn me through.

I see men follow her, as though

Their homes were where her steps should go.

She seemed as sent to our cold race

For fear the beauty of her face

Made Paradise in flames like Troy—

I could have gazed all day with joy.