WOMAN. Written in the Album of an unknown Lady. BY FITZ-GREENE HALLECK. LADY, although we have not met, And may not meet, beneath the sky; And whether thine are eyes of jet, Gray, or dark blue, or violet, Or hazel-heaven knows, not I; Whether around thy cheek of rose A maiden's glowing locks are curled, And to some thousand kneeling beaux, Thy frown is cold as winter's snows, Thy smile is worth a world; WOMAN. Or whether, past youth's joyous strife, I know not-but whate'er thou art, For thou art Woman-with that word What is man's love? His vows are broke Cling closest in the storm. And well the Poet at her shrine May bend and worship while he wooes; To him she is a thing divine, 319 320 WOMAN. The inspiration of his line, If to his song the echo rings Of Fame-'tis Woman's voice he hears; With blended smiles and tears: Smiles, tears,-whose blest and blessing power, Alone keeps green through Time's long hour, That frailer thing than leaf or flower |