That mood passes, and no trace Lingers on her chiseled face, Only from that scaled book Speaks the lofty lady’s look; Dignity and quiet grace Sit enthroned in form and face, And a grave, commanding air Bids the thoughtless one beware How he scorn the high decree Of her maiden sovereignty. Then there comes a sudden thought, With some merry meaning fraught, Like a flash of meteor light, As quick-glancing and as bright, And her laugh, as sweet and free As a child’s unthoughtful glee, From her buoyant heart upswells, Like clear-ringing fairy bells; And the awe in which you stood Of her stately womanhood, Flies before that silvery laughter, As if banished ever after. Have you angered her quick spirit? Touched her haughty sense of merit? All on you will rest the shame, All on you the heavy blame. Nothing daunted, wait in hope The turn of the kaleidoscope. Like the bright blue after rain, Comes her gladness back again; Kindling eye and lip and cheek All the same sweet language speak— Welcome as the sunshine warm Following a summer storm, Welcome as the song of birds, Her clear voice and friendly words! Firm of purpose, proud and high, With a flashing, dauntless eye, Yet impulsive, gay and wild, Now a queen and now a child, Now a woman, mild and wise, Strong to counsel and advise, Full of nobleness and truth, Of the generous zeal of youth, So enchanting, so divine, That of all who please and shine, None can match her own sweet self; Now a sportive, wilful elf, Whose least word and will and way, Strongest reasons oversway— Who can count on each vagary Of the charming, changeful fairy? Who can tell, when brightest beams Her warm love upon your dreams, At what moment words unmeant May disturb the gracious bent Of her fickle fantasy, And chill shadows flitting by All its splendor overcloud? At what moment a quick crowd Of unbidden, fitful feelings May seal up the high revealings That her soul’s deep voice had been, And your spirit reveled in?