THE PEOPLE'S GALLERY OF ENGRAVINGS.
LADY ADELA CORISANDE MARIA VILLIERS,
(DAUGHTER OF THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF JERSEY.)
THE beauty of thy starlike eyes,-as radiant as the summer skies, —
I first beheld in early years, before my own grew used to tears.
And if thy picture had been sent, for meed of printed compliment,
In those, my inexperienced days,—I might have given it vaguest praise,
Writ with a tame and girlish pen. But I have seen "the world" since then,
Have seen the world, and taken measure, of hearts that lead a life of pleasure,
And rather should compassionate, the dangers of thy brilliant fate.
Wilt thou dwell in peace apart,-happy in thy own young heart?
Gentle mother,-faithful wife,-star of a retiréd life?
Or will charm and beauty be, things of notoriety?
Wilt thou in thy beauty's bloom,-learn to rule, yet not presume,—
Keeping safe the meeker way,-loved and honour'd;—who shall say?
At this moment pictures rise, vividly before my eyes,
Of the Ladies I have known, occupying Fashion's throne;
Some were meek and wise and good,-some seem'd made of painted wood,—
Jointed just enough to move,-not enough to live and love,—
Some but empty ciphers were,-some like angels pure and fair,—
Two, above the rest, I mark; one for light and one for dark.
Striving, restless, angry, loud; pushing thro' a yielding crowd,
With a kind of reckless force, (as a horseman clears a course ;)
Balancing excess of scorn, for the crowd not greatly born,
By excess of humble crouching, (inner slavishness avouching,)
To the Magnates and the Stars,-Generals of successful Wars,-
Princes of the Reigning Houses,-with Serene or Royal Spouses,—