The Sleeping Beauty

Year after year unto her feet,

      The while she slumbereth alone,

Over the purpled coverlet

      The maiden's jetblack hair hath grown,

On either side her trancéd form

      Forthstreaming from a braid of pearl;

The slumbrous light is rich and warm,

      And moves not on the rounded curl.

The silk starbraided coverlid

Unto her limbs itself doth mould

Languidly ever, and amid

Her full black ringlets downward rolled

Glows forth each softly-shadowed arm,

With bracelets of the diamond bright;

Her constant beauty doth inform

Stillness with love and day with light.

She sleeps; her breathings are not heard

In palacechambers far apart;

The fragrant tresses are not stirred

That lie upon her charméd heart.

She sleeps; on either side upswells

The goldfringed pillow lightly prest;

She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwells

A perfect form in perfect rest.