SALOME. ONCE on a charger there was laid, It was on Herod's natal day, Who o'er Judea's land held sway. He married his own brother's wife, Wicked Herodias. She the life Of John the Baptist long had sought,' Because he openly had taught That she a life unlawful led, Having her husband's brother wed. This was he, that saintly John, He preached penitence and tears, Herod kept in princely state All in that land for dancing well. Would give the graceful Salome. The damsel back; to Herod said, When painters would by art express Beauty in unloveliness, Thee, Herodias' daughter, thee, They give thy form and features grace ; LINES SUGGESTED BY A PICTURE OF TWO FEMALES BY LIONARDO DA VINCI. THE lady Blanch, regardless of all her lovers' fears, To the Urs'line convent hastens, and long the Abbess hears. "O Blanch, my child, repent ye of the courtly life ye lead." Blanch looked on a rose-bud and little seem'd to heed. She looked on the rose-bud, she looked round, and thought On all her heart had whisper'd, and all the Nun had taught. "I am worshipped by lovers, and brightly shines my fame, "All Christendom resoundeth the noble Blanch's name. |