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Themes and Variations

THE MIRROR.

Esther.—Just let me see the primrose gown—
     I think I like its colour best;
    That lace, too—ancient Point d’Espagne—
     Is worth twice all the rest.

    These ruffles once danced with a Queen
     A minuet in an oaken hall;
    This sleeve once trembled on the hand
     Of haughty cardinal.

    The convent walls of Philip’s Spain,
     The gentle nuns, the sunburnt day,
    The secret, even of its make,
     All, all are passed away.

    While this foam breath outlives,—but still
     I wonder if my blue will fit
    Such colour! Turquoise set in pearl
     Alone would go with it.

    I know he likes this old brocade;
     Pale cowslips trim its pictured stuff;
    The satin hardly suits my hair,
     My arm’s not fair enough.