As shines the Moon so Isidora shone ’Mid circling maze of many a bright compeer; Or like the Star that heralds in the dawn, Dimming the lustre of each splendour near. Her glance could like Heaven’s dewiest sunbeam cheer, Her smile was music and her step a song, Her voice as Ariel’s flute was soft and clear. A glory streamed around her, giant-strong, As robed in Beauty’s pride she queenly walked along. IV. A sister by her side as graceful grew In opening Woman’s sweetness. Isabel Seemed as a rosebud gathering ere it blew All forms of Beauty that divinely fell From full-blown flower that on the spray so well Beside her bloomed. ’Neath Isidora’s pure Example as a mother’s she doth dwell. Her step was faëry light, her laugh would lure The coldest heart, her eye more dark with glances Moor. V. And Isidora loved a noble youth, Worthy of _her_--I ween that few be they; And honour, valour, virtue, manhood, truth, Combined in Carlos--noble every way. No step more free than his--none sang the lay Of Vascongada bold with richer voice. His, his the sword that, flashing midst the fray, Had Blanca saved, whose foster-sister’s choice Gladdened her sire and made the general heart rejoice. VI. Oh Love, oh wedded Love, of life the balm, Deep-anchored safety, haven sure of bliss. No passion-storms disturb thy blessed calm, No perfect joy hath Earth to show but this! Thine for true hearts the chaste yet rapturous kiss, Thine deathless sympathy through Life’s brief span, Through cloud and sunshine--thine, when serpents hiss, The dove’s pure breast. Self mars e’en Friendship’s plan; And _thou_ the sole true friend and confident of Man! VII. Yet long in secret nourished was the flame, Ere either had declared it--ere ’twas known, Save by themselves, to aught that bore their name. The rapturous joy more rapture gave alone. From eye to eye had Love in glances flown, In whispered cadence dew delicious shed. A stolen pressure of the hand, a tone Unheard save by one ear, a language dead To all save lovers--strains like this their passion fed:-- Song of the Balcony. 1. Upraise thy dark mantilla’s edge, And shrink not like a fawn away; But near the balconcillo’s ledge Move for Sant’ Anna’s love, I pray; And bend, oh, bend those glorious eyes Upon thy slave once more, once more; For streams no star from yon blue skies I would as soon adore! 2.