Chapter I: Part 1

THE BELLE OF A SEASON,
A Poem

_BY
The Countess of Blessington_

ILLUSTRATIONS BY A. E. CHALON, R.A.

]

THE
BELLE OF A SEASON.

BY

THE COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON.

=Splendidly Illustrated=

FROM

DRAWINGS

BY

A. E. CHALON, R. A.

PAINTER TO THE QUEEN, &c.

UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF MR. CHARLES HEATH.

LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETOR,
BY
LONGMAN, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS;
APPLETON AND CO., NEW YORK.

M.DCCC.XL.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY MOYES AND BARCLAY, CASTLE STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE.

INTRODUCTION.

Expect not, gentle readers, here to find
Some wild romance,—effusion of a mind
Imbued with pictures, which dark fancies give;—
My Heroine, like yourselves doth act and live.
No scenes of terror here you’ll see portrayed,
To shock the feelings of a timid maid.
No scowling wretches here with purpose dire,
With dark-laid plots and fiendlike men conspire.
No women, who, forgetful of their sex,
Yielding to passion’s sway, their hearts perplex.
No tyrant father, and no mother cross;
No gamester desperate with heavy loss.
No rivals using every wicked art,
To rob a damsel of her lover’s heart.
No murderous dagger, and no poisoned cup,
To make pale readers full on horrors sup.
No sinful love here marks its guilty course,
Followed by shame, remorse, and a divorce.
No ruined château, and no gliding ghost,
No duel or elopement, can we boast
In these poor pages, only meant to shew
The scenes of real life, whose truth you know.
My Heroine, like yourselves, devoid of art,
Rich in each gift of person, mind, and heart;—
Just such a daughter as all parents prize,
And just as you appear to the fond eyes
Of yours;—just such a nymph as men adore:
Look in your glass—her image stands before.
The tresses may present a different hue,
The eyes may gray or black be, ’stead of blue;
More or less _embonpoint_ perhaps you’ll see,
But, ne’ertheless, mankind will all agree
That beauties are as sisters like: ’tis true,
When Mary I described—I thought of you.
The same your winning charms, your dimples, smiles,
The same mild virtue that each heart beguiles,
The same your occupations, hopes, and fears,
Your artless gaiety, your ready tears;—
You’ll recognise the portrait I am sure,
Though you deny it with a look demure:
And thus alike in loveliness and lives,
May you, like Mary, soon be blessed as—wives.

THE BELLE OF A SEASON.

’Tis noon, and Spring, with genial power, Hath lent her sunshine to the hour; Hath breathed her sweetness through the air That murmurs o’er the bright parterre; On many a forest-monarch tall Hath hung a fresh green coronal— The emerald turf hath dressed anew, With primrose pale, and violet blue; And showers of snow-like wind-flowers strown In many a copse and upland lone; Hath heaped on the laburnum gay Its gold—its fragrance on the May; And balls of silver rich to see Hung o’er the wild wayfaring-tree: No wonder that yon ancient hall Looks decked as for a festival. Yon ancient hall!—a noble race, Whose deeds hath History loved to trace, Spread yonder court, and raised that tower Whose oriel speaks it Beauty’s bower; And loved in manhood’s youthful pride Through that oak-planted chase to ride, Where antlered roamers brouse and play Throughout the golden summer day; And hares, with eyes like gems that burn, Crouch timid ’mid the rustling fern. Beyond,—a river, clear and blue As Heaven’s own bright cerulean hue, Winds with a song of pleasant tone Through many a meadow-valley lone, Where teeming cows and snowy sheep Along its flowery border creep— And soon as peeps the early Spring, Her merry choir their gladness sing— Whose joy but cheers the soft repose, So fair an English landscape knows.

_The Hall_

_OR FEED THE BIRD THAT AT HER VOICE
WOULD IN ITS PRISON-CAGE REJOICE_
]

A daughter of that noble race, With all its beauty in her face, Looks from yon hall across that scene Of river bright and meadow green— I said her face was proudly fair, But—lovelier far—a heart is there, Filled with o’erflowing love of all On which her gentle glance doth fall. Oft have her childhood’s feet at dawn Brushed its bright dew from yonder lawn, And well she knows each sheltered dell, And each peculiar tree can tell; And every flower before her feet Is linked with memories passing sweet: She little dreams who gazes there, That _she_ is far more fresh and fair Than all the pride of her parterre: So those the most who charm and bless Least know their wealth of loveliness!

’Twould tame the most malicious sprite To watch those eyes so azure bright, Upon the faëry pleasaunce bent With wishes gay as innocent; Or mark her, with more serious air, Tend her flower-darlings rich and rare; Or feed the bird that at her voice Would in its prison-cage rejoice; Or when in other mood she came To stoop above her easel’s frame, As true her taper fingers sped To trace the scene before her spread; Or view her, in green garden nook, Bend thoughtful o’er some gentle book; Or hear when, blithe as bird of spring, She half unconsciously would sing A lay like this—O ne’er again Those woods will hear so sweet a strain!

SONG.

O Nature! let me dwell with thee, The happy playmate of the bee; Thou bringest back the golden Spring,— I cannot choose but gaily sing!

Old Winter’s gone with clouds and rain, And flowers are on the earth again, And birds fly forth with gladsome wing;— I cannot choose but gaily sing!

The insects chirp as blithe they pass Among the dew-gemmed waving grass, Fresh verdure clothes each fairy-ring;— I cannot choose but gaily sing!

O Nature! let me dwell with thee; Thou ne’er art stern and harsh to see, But mark’st each day by some bright thing, That makes thy children gaily sing.

What wonder that a maid like this, With heart so pure, so full of bliss, The sternest only named to bless!— Nay—even her cold staid governess Forgot her formal rules, and smiled, As she—half woman, half a child— Would break her studies grave and long, With carolled snatch of such a song; Or fragment of the blithest dance, That ever Sylph had stolen from France; Or through the opened window hie, To chase the gorgeous butterfly!

Delicious time! when life is new, And Pleasure opens wide to view Her paths of sunshine and of bloom, That in far distance hide the tomb; Ere one illusion false is known, Or one affection chilled, or flown. O Youth! how passing fair art thou, Ere care hath worn that open brow, Ere the fresh roses on thy cheek Sad tears have dewed—when but to speak Of joy, with rapture uncontrolled, Thy lips their coral gates unfold! Ere yet one bright and cherub trace Of Heaven hath parted from thy face, O Youth! so passing blithe and fair! Why should not Time thy gladness spare?

Now sixteen summers just had sped In rapid course o’er Mary’s head,— Each gave her cheek a brighter hue, Each to her mind some treasure new. Her sire—what wonder?—long had eyed His child, his idol, with the pride Which deems its darling hath no peer Among her sister-beauties here; And longs the envying world should view Her matchless charms, and think so, too. At length, this boastful rapture, nursed In secret, forth to utterance burst; ’Twas on that smiling April day He to his lady spouse did say— “I think, as now advances Spring, Our girl to town ’t were well to bring; ’T is time she went to court, my dear!” Quick cries the Lady—“What!—this year? Court at sixteen! too soon, no doubt! All the young ladies round about— The Greys—the Mordaunts—ne’er were seen, Never presented ’till eighteen.”— “Nay, as you will—perchance you’ve reason; Well then, we keep at home this season. That last election thinned my purse, Which, truth to say, requires a nurse; Though on dear Mary’s pleasure bent, I should not count how much I spent.”

The Lady hears—and from her spouse Hides sudden fears, she knits her brows, And o’er her features still most fair, Calls up a bland, persuaded air; “_Réflexion faite_—you _may_ be right, I would not stand in Mary’s light; And to her pleasure, I my own Would sacrifice;—let’s go to town!” She uttered not her thought of wo, “How rapidly one’s daughters grow!”

Yes, pain can seize a mother’s heart, When, _ere_ her mellowed charms depart, She must, a full-blown rose, retire While eager crowds the bud admire; And while a daughter at her feet } Hath words that burn, and hearts that beat, } Must fill the chaperon’s lonely seat! } Ye, whom a fate like this doth scare, Be wise, though Cupid sets the snare, Bid the sly urchin from your door, To come again at _twenty-four_; Then wedded, to such follies cold, At placid forty you’ll behold, Without an envious thought or care, Your second-self—or one more fair;— Hear with fond pride your daughter’s name, Look calmly on the lively game, Nor wince, if careless tongue should say, “Her mother, too, _she had her day_!”

Hail Fashion! thou mysterious Queen! Whose reign omnipotent hath been: Ay, since the times remote and dark, When Mistress Noah left her ark! Sovereign, whose subjects ne’er rebel, Though of tyrannic sway they tell! Thy sceptre, Queen, whom all adore, Hath strange and elephantine power,— Can rout an army with its strength, Or raise a pin an atom’s length; The young, the noble, and the gay, Hear thy loved voice, and straight obey. What though the Spring with open arms Spreads to their gaze her wealth of charms, With primrose and with king-cup gilds The hedge-row banks, the sunny fields, Thou callest—and from these scenes they part, To mingle in thy busy mart, And thought, and health, and pleasure drown, In the dull mazes of a town! Then, when the Dog-star rages high, Thou bidd’st the obedient throng to fly To coasts where not a leaf of green Their beauty from the blaze may screen, Let scorched-up eyes, and sun-browned faces, Declare thy might at watering places! Then, when rough Winter’s frost and snow His dismal coming makes them know, And all is gloom, and storm, and rain, And bowers are stripped, and hill, and plain, And garden path, and sheltered wood, Are carpeted alike with mud, Thou drivest the herd, most stern of Queens, To the repose of country scenes; O prithee! for one little season, Rule this poor weary world by reason!

At thy decree must Mary go The town’s tumultuous joys to know. In simple garb, the lovely maid Is for the journey soon arrayed; But ere she leaves that haunted ground, With tearful gaze she looks around, And every flower and every tree Awakens her fond sympathy, As sparkling with fresh morning dew, They seem to wave a kind adieu! She knows not yet of courtlier joys, No anxious thought her mind employs; She never dreamed of tricks or arts Used by coquettes to win light hearts; The snow-white lily of the lea Is not more free from guile than she!

The journey o’er—in Grosvenor Square Behold arrived our timid fair, Perplexed and deafened by the din Of crowds and carriages that spin In dizzy whirl through every street Where busy trade and luxury meet. At first the strangeness and surprise Brings her no joy—she softly sighs, “O my own home! that I were there ’Mid its green fields and purer air!”

Short time hath she to muse and dream Of grove-crowned hill, and placid stream, For Mary is a child no more, And a gay host assails her door, With smiles, and becks, and modish airs, _Marchandes des modes_—and _Couturières_; At first she shrinks back half-ashamed, As loud their splendid wares are named. One tells how rulers of the _monde_ Wear just such satin, just such blonde; Another, as a peacock vain, Spreads out a _corsage_ and a train: “_Pour une miladi, aussi belle, Ça irait vraiment à merveille._” A third brings wreaths so fair to see, The King of Judah’s[1] cunning bee From flower to flower had boldly flown, And deemed them surely Nature’s own. All praised her _tournure_, and her grace, Till modest blushes dyed her face; Then each, demanding “_pardon_,” thought “That if _sa seigneurie_ had bought A few more _nouveautés_ ’twere wise, Ere they were shewn to other eyes— As now _les grandes dames_ wished to buy More than their _artistes_ could supply; For then, just then,—’twas sad, but true,— Even if they wrought the whole night through, Full many a lady needs must wait, Who’d ordered robes for the next fête.” The prologue’s done—the father sighs, As all those glittering gauds he eyes; And, while his spouse makes haste to tell Their cheapness is a miracle, He thinks of his estates at nurse, And in his pocket grasps his purse.

And now to Mary’s wondering eyes, Behold the magic curtain rise; O day of joy, and agitation, Comes on her courtly presentation! Gems deck her brow, and waving plumes, Her train came forth from Genoa’s looms, And rich transparent folds of lace Fall from her head with airy grace; To Nature, Art has lent its aid, And proud she looks, though half afraid. No longer now the sportive child, With buoyant step, and spirits wild, Who chased the winged flowers of air, Or wandered through her bright parterre; Schooled to a stately dignity She moves, while crowds press on to see A form from Beauty’s finest mould, Which all of purple, and of gold, Of nodding plume, and diamond bright, Are but too poor to deck aright! They little dream who see her glide On her new path with mien of pride, How in her secret, throbbing breast, A trembling, timid heart doth rest!

Her mother leads her through the throng, Who whisper as she moves along, Some, with a haggard envious air, Whose ancient faces round her stare, “Wonder the men so weak can be, So undiscerning as to see One single charm or winning grace In such a blushing baby face.” In vain they cavil—gallants gay From older beauties shrink away; Eye the fair girl with flattering gaze, And whisper, to be heard, her praise; Their words, “How charming!” meet her ear, A spell to dissipate her fear. More calm she nears the throne at last— A step—the dreaded ordeal’s past!

_The Presentation_

_SHE BENDS BEFORE OUR GENTLE QUEEN
THE YOUNGEST, FAIREST, EVER SEEN_
]

She bends before our gentle Queen, The youngest, fairest, ever seen, The Rose of England’s rich parterre (Where every flower is passing fair); All youth, all hope, all loveliness, Whom millions only name to bless. How dazzling is that open brow! Not even the diadem, whose glow Encircles it with lustre bright, Casts into shade its gentle light; So dignified, so lofty, mild, There meet the angel, woman, child. O! who could gaze upon thy face, Young scion of a royal race, Without that warm and earnest feeling, To hand, and heart, and word, appealing, Which stirred so well in days gone by Old England’s glorious chivalry, And now surrounds thy stately throne With millions proud thy sway to own, Ready the wide world to defy, And quick to arm—and blest to die, Ere from thy royal coronal Its smallest gem shall fade or fall! Thy gracious glance, with gentle spell } Can many a fluttering tremor quell, } As our young timid maid can tell; } Who never even in dreams hath been In such a bright and gorgeous scene. Before her, sparkling in the light, Dance waving plumes, flash diamonds bright; A thousand trains come sweeping by, A thousand beauties meet her eye: But o’er them all, like star serene, She sees her lovely, gentle Queen!

And now,—the presentation o’er Which opens Fashion’s fairy door— A thousand perfumed billets come Scrawled with these peaceful words, “At Home!” She, in her young simplicity, Admires the domesticity Of those whom opera, dinner, rout, Tempt to the sparkling world without! But soon (the enigma’s point to reach) A few entrancing midnights teach By nodding plumes, and whirling feet, And wheels that thunder down the street, And glittering lamps, and music loud, “_At home_,” in London means “_a crowd!_”

No longer decked in waving plumes, Mary a simpler dress assumes,— A robe that well her form displays, And many a silken ringlet strays Round pearly brow, and cheek that glows With Youth and Health’s most brilliant rose, At her first ball—where smile and stare Our heroine’s rising power declare— Her mother proud, with practised eye, Dissects the crowds that hover nigh; No younger brother dare draw near, To whisper in her treasure’s ear. Ah! in the world where hearts are stakes, Too oft the blessing Esau takes!

Now, shall we gently cast aside The veil that Mary’s heart doth hide? And whisper to all friendly ears, That child-like as the maid appears,— There is one youth, whose glance hath met Her own—she longs to know, and yet, For worlds she could not ask his name: The thought’s enough to tint with shame Her fair young cheek—though, truth to own, The maiden now hath curious grown, For those deep lustrous eyes have cast Spells o’er her thoughts to hold them fast; She looked but once, and half was won— She looked again, her heart was gone!

O Love! that find’st thy path through eyes, Revealed by glances and soft sighs, The harbingers of hopes, and fears, And rosy blushes, smiles, and tears,— Why, wily archer, try thine art On such a young unguarded heart? Why, ere yet childhood’s dreams have flown, Ere Life its fairest views hath shewn, Chase halcyon Peace from that sweet nest She builds in such a gentle breast? The experienced mother marks the gaze With which the youth her child surveys,— The blush that dyes her modest cheek,— And though ’tis best no word to speak, Swift through her heart a hope _will_ glance, That he will with her Mary dance: For well she knows, by form and air, He ranks among the noblest there. Is it all vainly she aspires? For lo! the admired one swift retires:— He’s gone—there seems a cloud to creep O’er Mary’s bosom still and deep— He’s gone—but, no—he’s here again, Leading the Duchess Deloraine. With outstretched hand and smiling face Thus speaks at once her sapient Grace:—

“Dear Lady Percy, how d’ ye do? I thought it could be only you My son described—let me present Lord Deloraine; indeed I meant To seek you—this is Lady Mary, Whom I remember, like a fairy, When tripping lightly round your room, Her lip all smiles, her cheek all bloom. I should have known her by her brow And chin. Dear girl, will you allow Me to present Lord Deloraine? You’ll make his mother very vain If you to him your smiles extend, And to her also, as the friend Of Lady Percy. How’s your Lord? Your daughter’s charming, on my word! While you—I vow I heard Lord Lyster Say you looked like her elder sister. My son has just come from the East, But has not suffered in the least, Though hundreds are in Smyrna dead, None saved, except the wise, who fled That dreadful plague!—It never ends, It killed a dozen of his friends— But Heaven be thanked—once more at home, I trust he ne’er again will roam. Well, Lady Mary’s quite a Belle, And dressed, I must say, _à merveille_— Any attachment, _entre nous_? } Too young?—ha! ha! that’s so like you! } _Au revoir, chère amie!_ adieu!” }

While thus his mother’s nimble tongue Talked on—the son enchanted hung On every smile, and winning grace, That played o’er Mary’s lovely face; The while she listened as he told Of many a storied land of old— Few words were said, ere youth and maid A kindred feeling did pervade: Did ever traveller talk so sprightly? Smiled ever Beauty’s eyes so brightly? The mother, with abundant tact The chaperon’s part did well enact, No over-marked desire to please, No feigned reserve—she talked at ease Of climes, and courts, where he had been, With wit and taste, which made it seem That study and reflection taught her, This gives bright promise for her daughter; So deems the youth, whom, half-past five Sees homeward from that revel drive.

We tell not Mary’s dreams that night, Or how next morning with delight She thought past doubt, that they should meet, Or in the park or in the street, Then gently sighed while counting o’er The hours which must elapse before. At length—at length the clock strikes five, And Mary’s summoned for a drive. She throws by a half-finished sonnet, And blushes as she ties her bonnet, Then smiles as in the glass she sees A face that every eye must please; Each Beau she passes in the street, Causes her timid heart to beat; Afar—she thinks it Deloraine, But near—O hope! why art thou vain? He comes not—an incipient pout Longs to enwreathe her lips about; But her sweet nature conquers spleen, And home returned, there’s something seen, On which her smiles unchecked may fall: His card—she finds it in the hall!

Now at her mirror stands our Mary, Like Cinderella dressed by fairy: A robe, than gossamer more light, And whiter even than snow is white, She wears; and with a bright wreath dresses The rich net of her glossy tresses.

_The Toilet_

_NOW AT HER MIRROR STANDS OUR MARY
LIKE CINDERELLA DRESSED BY FAIRY!_
]

Ah! who that saw her thus arrayed Did e’er behold a fairer maid? While crowded carriages encumber The streets, she wonders at the number; So patient waiting in the Square, } Ere they arrive the ball to share, } When but one Deloraine _can_ be there! }

Now strains of music float around, Mingling with many a harsher sound Of crushing panels, curses, cries, As coachman, meeting coachman, tries To win the portal, whence a blaze Of light streams, brilliant as the rays Of noonday sun; while passers by Pause, and move on with envious sigh.

At length released, and in the hall, Their names the liveried Stentors call: Unshawled, uncloaked, they slow ascend, ’Midst flowers that thousand odours blend; And once again a fairy scene Holds her, in beauty’s right its Queen! They reach at last the bright saloon, One with a beating heart—how soon To beat more wildly:—yes! ’tis he Who nought but Mary seems to see. In her mild eyes one care will dwell— She hath not greeted him _too_ well? He bolder, blessing friendly chance, Must claim her for the coming dance; While some, with jealous envy vexed, Sneer as they pass, and ask “What next?”

O! who that viewed so bright a scene Could guess that sorrow here had been; That any through the dance who glide, In splendour decked, elate with pride, Had seen hopes changed for gloomy fears, Had known the sad relief of tears— As bending o’er the cherished dead They deemed that joy for aye had fled; While now, forgetful, at the call Of Mirth, they fill her echoing hall? Yet, in these proud and gilded rooms, Where music, blent with rich perfumes From fair exotic garlands wreathed, Upon the entranced sense hath breathed; Where mirrors loveliest shapes display, As through the mazy dance they stray; Even here cold Death has held his state— Here drooping mourners wept the fate Of some, whom not even Love could save From the stern beckoner to the grave; Here, where the flowery trophies rise, Came breaking hearts, and streaming eyes; Here, where the airiest feet resound, A sable pall hath swept the ground; Down yonder staircase, broad and deep, A funeral train was seen to sweep: O! strange, how revelry and death— The smile above, the worm beneath,— Divide this earth, till scarce we know Which is the master, Mirth or Wo. O! where’s the dwelling, rich and vast, Wherein no scenes like these have passed; Where yet no tear was ever shed— Came in no fear—went out no dead? A few bright days—a few brief years, And each house is baptised in tears; A few sad hours of sorrow o’er, And Folly shakes her bells once more!

Now skilled in every art to please, Deloraine his partner set at ease; He talked of scenery, and flowers, And books that bring us pleasant hours, Till by his converse, wise and mild, Was won the dear confiding child. But deem not her simplicity Had aught of crude rusticity, For dignity and native sense Were mingled with her innocence: And soon his mind, with projects rife, Of his young partner makes a wife; So young, so artless, and so fair, Blessed by his stars, he’ll win and wear; And she ... but who can paint that heart Where vanity had ne’er a part; Where ne’er malicious thought had birth,— A shrine that makes a heaven of earth?

He to her mother leads the fair, Then hovers anxious near her chair, Marking with new-born jealousy A herd of beaux, who flock to see One of whose beauty tongues are loud; While she, unconscious why the crowd Press round, beholds but Deloraine, And hopes that near her he’ll remain.

Some twenty youths, with bows, demand To be presented—ask her hand For coming dances;—ask in vain— She dances not the night again. Her mother’s tactics only grant One partner to the _débutante_; She fears fatigue—she talks of heat, So Mary gladly keeps her seat. Again Lord Deloraine draws nigh, With softest words, and earnest eye, Her cheek with brightest roses blooms, Her eye a sparkling light illumes, As he (’tis music’s sweetest strain!) Murmurs the words—“We meet again!” Ne’er had he paid to any other Such court as to our Mary’s mother; By flatteries, which adroitly hit, He makes her feel herself a wit, And all the sprightly words she measures, Thankful receives as precious treasures; Some spell—he asks not how or why— Opens new vistas to his eye; For when mamma, with wisdom trite, Says, “Girls should not sit up all night,” And firmly will demand her carriage, The word recalls another “marriage!” Marriage!—to him!—few weeks had sped Since he had vowed he’d never wed Until that age when, _blasé_, cool, A man’s too old to play the fool!— O strong, strong man! one glance at Mary Had made his life’s whole purpose vary!

What were the dreams, that sweet spring night, That floated o’er her slumbers light? So pure, so blithe, so blest were they, That Sleep had brighter hours than Day. Again within that festive scene, Where erst with Deloraine she had been, She stooped to hear his whispered praise, She shrunk back from his glowing gaze, Like touch of an enchanter’s wand She felt the farewell of his hand; And yet how timidly ’twas taken— He _touched_, where common friend had _shaken_! And then a sudden change comes o’er Her dream—the maiden roves once more With him amid the favourite shade Of well-known grove, and woodland glade, Shews him the flowers she loved to rear, Which he, by praising, makes more dear; Points out each cherished haunt—the view Of limpid stream and mountain blue; And feels, the while he fondly speaks, Her native breezes fan her cheeks. They plan—they talk of future schemes, } And now to kiss her hand he seems— } She wakens.... ’Twas the dream of dreams! }

Of all our _fêtes_, the wise ones say, There’s nothing like a _déjeûner_, In gardens rife with vernal bloom, That to the air exhales perfume; Where down through many a rich _bosquet_ Blithe Music’s voice is heard to stray, And women with the bright flowers vie Which shall the most enchant the eye. The same soft tints of lily, rose, Do many a cheek and leaf disclose, And both so radiant in their bloom; Alike their beauty and their doom, For the fair pride of home and lea, Soon fades and dies—Ah! wo is me! That flowers must droop, and fair cheeks wither, When Death and Winter cry “Come hither!” Why should not Beauty wear more slowly?— A truce to thoughts so melancholy.

A _déjeûner_’s a charming thing } In summer, for though poets sing } Of thy enchantments, vernal Spring, } Alas! we of them little know, Save what Arcadian writers shew. They never told of north-east winds Whirling the dust until it blinds— Of a bright sun, whose beams can freeze— Of airs, whose keenness makes us sneeze— Of dews, vouchsafed in storms of rain, Until we want the Ark again— Of agues, fevers, and sore throats, Of fur-lined mantles and great-coats; Yet thus—thy old enchantments undone— O Spring! thou meet’st mankind in London! Yet strange to tell, though year by year The same chill spectre doth appear, Instead of that young nymph, who still is By rhymesters crowned with daffodillies, Whom we remember from our cradles, Described in every poet’s fables— How wild their words—how warm their praise— And ours what folly still to raise Our expectations towards that Spring, Which not even May itself doth bring.

Peace, saucy minstrel!—nor forget How Summer sometimes pays the debt With days, like angel-visits seen Most bright—but “few and far between.” And sure it is, such visits rare Make us esteem them doubly fair, And Nature’s brightest to their eyes Who see her, sun-lit, with surprise; ’Tis pleasant through umbrageous trees To watch the groups with careless ease, That far and near, and fair and free, Wind like the nymphs of Arcady; White flowing robes become them well, And each at distance seems a belle, And tripping from some green retreat } Of clustered leaves, and garlands sweet, } Is credited with fairy feet. } And the unusual exercise Tints up the cheeks, and lights the eyes; What wonder, then, that lover’s tale Makes eloquent each bower and dale? That flattery’s soft and silver tongue Then smoothest speaks from old and young— And all are bent on charming hours, ’Mid such a paradise of flowers?

As Mary, at her mother’s side, Walked gracefully, her suitors vied Which could extol her charms the most, Or of her slight acquaintance boast; Nay some, to whom she scarce had bowed, Of her sweet temper spoke aloud, And charming sayings had to tell Of her they called _their_ favourite belle. Her mother was, the men all said, A damask rose of royal red, And Mary was the bud half blown, That each one wished to call his own, And wear on his vain-glorious breast, To raise the envy of the rest.

_The Ball_

_AS MARY, AT HER MOTHER’S SIDE,
WALKED GRACEFULLY, HER SUITORS VIED._
]

She heard not words that quick flew by, The ready compliment—the sigh— Nor saw grave men, at Love who joke, Now prone to kneel before she spoke— Her heart, her eye, her ear were gone, She had but words, but thoughts for one. At length, at distance in the crowd, Deloraine she saw, and said aloud “Tis he!” “Pray who?” with placid tone Her mother asks—a blush hath flown To her clear cheek—she feels it burn, And redder roses mount in turn. But ere she could an answer frame A troop of ladies round her came; She stops—there hangs on Deloraine’s arm A graceful form; how many a charm Bewitching doth that maid array, And points the pang that will have way, As forced, alas! to pause and see, Her heart grew sick—she wished to be Apart from all that brilliant throng, Apart from smile, and jest, and song: The _fête_ so late all mirth and light, Hath lost its gladness to her sight; The women teaze, the men annoy, The giddy crowd can yield no joy; A tear (that would despite her rise) Sought to escape from her bright eyes, As past she saw Lord Deloraine glide With that fair lady at his side.

O Jealousy! thy serpent fang Strikes through the heart its keenest pang; Thou changest Summer’s sunny air To Winter’s hue of dull despair; The young rose with its radiant bloom, For the wan flower that decks the tomb; And with thy cold insidious art Bidd’st Hope from warmest breast depart. How mused our maid, on every charm Of her who hung on Deloraine’s arm; One minute’s length had been that gaze, But oh! so fraught with wild amaze, A long life it had seemed to be To her excited phantasy. With care she scarcely knew to hide, That beauty how she magnified, Which every eye that both had known _Must_ find inferior to her own! That smile, how brightly did it shine, “Ah!” Mary thought, “what chance had mine?” Yet had some fairy made her pass That woman’s shrine—a looking-glass, Even she, all jealous, must have seen Which was of Beauty’s empire Queen: But on she wandered mute and slow— How tedious seemed the revel now! The smiling dandies how she hated, The tiresome chaperons how they prated! “Would it were done!” she sighs once more, “Was ever _fête_ so dull before?”

An hour—a long, long hour, has flown, A year she thought had fleeter gone, When as her eyes, that wander wide, From the green alley turn aside, Lo! from the lawn Lord Deloraine, With that fair lady, comes again; Some one he seems in haste to seek, And blushes rise to Mary’s cheek, Their glances meet—ah! vain to hide Her gentle joy, as at her side, Eager he takes his wonted place, With rapture beaming in his face; Tells her how vainly, and how long, He sought her ’mid the motley throng; Some witchcraft (what she knows not well), Hath o’er the revel cast a spell; She guesses not what magic wand Restores her back to fairy land, And for those thoughts of saddening strain, Gives back her young bright hopes again. That dreaded rival, it appears, Had Mary’s mother known for years; The two, enchanted at the meeting, Exchange at once the kindest greeting: “_So_ glad!—a sweet surprise! my dear, (Lord Deloraine’s cousin) Lady Vere!”

Together now through shady walk And rich parterre they stroll and talk; Mary hath but one grief, alas! That hours will now like moments pass. ’Tis true no words of love were spoken, But glance and smile, by many a token, Told that the link, which but death parts, Was flung around a pair of hearts: In truth, ’twas passing fair to see Mary, with sweet simplicity, Droop her long lashes ’neath his gaze, That looked his worship and her praise, The while she thought that praise was sweet As childhood’s music, when we meet Its echoes in a stranger land, And wrapt in pensive reverie stand, Dwelling on happy days gone by, Until a tear-drop dews the eye; And well we love that sadness brief, The softness—not the sting of grief, E’en while we sighing ask again To hear that loved and ancient strain.

But Beauty (so a bard of ours Declares), alas! can’t live on flowers; And honeyed words, however dear, And charming to the thirsty ear, Too fine are, too ambrosial quite, To satisfy the appetite. And hence, our senses to content, Luxurious _déjeûners_ were meant; A rich repast,—O call not food The choice inventions of a Ude! Now even lovers rush to eat, And happy they who find a seat— So thickly streams the crowd aside, To taste the good the gods provide!

’Tis strange that when the eye reposes On summer skies and beds of roses— And fountains with their spray-showers glancing, And green leaves in the south-wind dancing— That tyrant Hunger, grossest sense! Will not a few short hours dispense His _congé_ to poor earthly sinners, But sets them craving for their dinners: ’Tis strange that all, howe’er refined, Of lofty thought, poetic mind, Nor leaves nor roses will espy, If but a tempting _pâté_’s by; Transparent fountains flow in vain, If froth for them the brisk champagne, As chuckling while they pile a plate, They cry, “I love a rural _fête_!” ’Tis strange—explain it, learned sages— That chaperons all, whate’er their ages, Whether dame Fortune smiles or spites, Rejoice in boundless appetites; And some I’ve seen such homage do To fish, flesh, fowl, and pastry too, Fearless of ache or indigestion, Having profoundly solved the question, How many different foods with zest A Christian stomach can digest; That hecatombs must offer up The amazed Amphitryons where they sup. Maidens, _au contraire_, little eat; How should they, when, from neighbouring seat, A lover, with devouring eyes, Each tempting morsel jealous spies? Ye charmers, who would lovers gain To hover round, a sighing train! From all but sparrow-meals refrain; Men bear a small plump hand to see A golden fork wield gracefully, Not guided by a heart intent, Like nun’s, half starved with keeping Lent, But in a light capricious way As less in hunger than in play. Would you enchain the creatures fast, Choose delicately for repast Of whitest chicken, one small slice— Some orange jelly, cool as ice— Three cherries, and an almond cake— } And water tinged with wine,—they’ll make } A charm not Samson’s self could break. } But should your suitors chance to spy The open mouth, the hungry eye, You’ll look around—and where are they? Scared—gone—and sure, past doubt, to say, “Nay, saw you that?—no joke indeed! I hate to see a woman feed!”

And now ’tis dark and balmy night: Ten thousand lamps hang forth their light From high verandas, arches, bowers, Festooned with pendant wreaths of flowers. And glorious shines the summer green Of tree, and shrub, by that light seen; And delicate the rainbow dyes, Of every flower that odour sighs; And spirit-like the white-robed maids, That loiter ’mid the garden shades: There’s not a rhymester there that night But calls the scene Elysian quite, And, waxing sentimental on it, Thinks of Boccaccio and a sonnet; Or some bright isle of genii sprites, We read of in the “Arabian Nights;” Or some bright banquet which Watteau, With courtier pencil, loved to shew; Or, if excursive grow his fancies, He conjures up those old romances Where sorceress, for her favourite’s bliss, Would raise, by spells, a scene like this, Which chaster knight could, with one prayer And holy sign, dispense in air; Music from dusky ambush stole To witch with melody the soul, As wandering minstrels sung soft lays, Such as Moore writes, and Thalberg plays: And, oh! the voice hath wondrous power To melt, to move, at such an hour.

As Mary walked with Deloraine, They paused, arrested by a strain, The notes were rich, and low, and sweet, Voice of a mind—nor all unmeet The words, of Love in ambuscade, Which Deloraine’s secret thoughts betrayed.

“O! fair, surpassing fair thou art,
Unconscious all—the Graces’ boast;
What wonder myriads seek thy heart?
But, Lady, I adore thee most!

When others on thy beauty dwell,
Hang on thy words, explore thine eyes,
O, never earthly bard could tell
What thoughts within my bosom rise.

Let speechless Love, in sighs reveal
That passion which the bolder vow;
And let one thought of pity steal
For him who never felt till now.

Tell her, ye stars! thou winged air
Breathe to her, Flora’s painted host,
That I am true as she is fair—
Though all _must_ love, I love her most!”

The strain is o’er—ere Deloraine speaks, Bright blushes mount to Mary’s cheeks, For well she guesses, by his sigh, He would the minstrel’s lay apply; And, aided by another’s art, Reveal the secret of his heart. But Modesty, her guardian, throws Its ægis round her—grave she grows, As quick her head is turned aside, Her cheek’s deep rosy blush to hide. Still looked he earnest—still he sought In her mild eyes to read her thought, If her heart’s inmost folds among There lurked kind answer to that song. And still she feared to meet his eye, Lest her confusion he should spy; For yet, though softened, charmed, and moved, She only _hopes_ she is beloved! And, self-accusing, thinks it wrong To give such meaning to a song: Thus, he all fear, and she all shame, He breathes no word to tell his flame. At length her mother she descried, Then flew, half-fluttered, to her side! For Crœsus’ wealth he should not know The fancies which disturbed her so, While all the firmer chained was he, By her young timid modesty.

O Modesty!—which angels yield To helpless woman for a shield, What diamond from Golconda’s mine, Adorns her brow, like blush of thine? Worthless the form, and coarse the face, (However fair) thou dost not grace; The sweetest voice is like a lute Strung with harsh chords, when thou art mute; The heart, a stained and ruined shrine, Thou dost not enter to refine; The eye but shoots a meteor gleam Noxious and keen, without thy beam; How vainly beauty, lacking thee, Would chain men’s love—Sweet Modesty! Cestus that Venus surely wore, To wile a world in days of yore, The charm that she to Juno lent, When that bold, dark-eyed Queen was bent To win the recreant from her love, The haughty and inconstant Jove: Bright spirit! thou in Mary’s eye Smilest when she bids Deloraine good-by! And—fairy follower—at her call, Attend’st her from that festival! Mary’s at home—and pondering o’er Each word of _his_, as ne’er before She dwelt on them. His looks of love, Even now recalled, have power to move, Of his sweet voice each cherished tone, } Fond Memory has made its own, } So dear, and so familiar grown } Some little thought of earthly cares Are mingled with her fervent prayers, Hopes that they soon again shall meet, Before she yields to slumber sweet As falls on infant’s brow, ere guile Hath chased its Heaven-remembering smile! Then white-robed Innocence doth bend, And o’er her couch its wings extend. Visions of love and happiness, Soothing and calm, her pillow bless; Nor purer dreams the blessed know, Released from earth and all its wo.

It is a lovely sight to see A maiden in the privacy Of her own chamber—where the day In gentle studies glides away: Her spirit breathes through all things round— The dainty volumes that abound; The silken broidery in its frame, That might e’en Flora’s labour shame; The easel, where no critic’s eye A meretricious taste could spy; The harp, on which she loves to play, Singing the while some sweet old lay; Here gay and placid speed the hours, Among her music, books, and flowers— No thought of care, or anger rude, No breath of evil dare intrude, No babbler, fraught with idle speech, This maiden solitude can reach: Save her fond Sire’s, no footstep male Has e’er presumed to cross its pale. Here he brings gifts of gem and flower, And Indian birds to deck her bower; And, dearer gifts! her mother oft With looks of love, and accents soft, Steals in to bless her duteous child, And leave behind her counsels mild: There’s not a book that here may lie, Unseen by that unsleeping eye, Which knows how subtly books might lure That maiden, still so angel-pure. Here, where a crucifix you’d see, Did Southern maiden bend the knee; The ‘Book of Life’ is laid, and read— I know it by the page outspread; Approached with love, and reverent awe, Our maiden from its page will draw Those hopes that light declining years, Those promises that dry our tears! The very air that lingers round This sanctuary is sweet—no sound, Except of music rich and low, Or gentle voices, doth it know: Listen! her hand is on the strings, And, artless, to herself she sings.

SONG.

Oh! never doubt I love thee!
When every sigh of thine
Awakens Echo’s music
Within this heart of mine!
Oh! never doubt I love thee!
Thy smile, oh! oft it gleams,
Like fabled lamps of fairies,
To cheer my midnight dreams!

Oh! never doubt I love thee!
As few have loved before;
There’s nought can change my worship
Till life itself be o’er!

The song is o’er—why doth she seem Abstracted—lost in pleasant dream? Her harp is left—she turns aside, And now her taper fingers guide The pencil.—No, ’tis all in vain! What art could picture Deloraine? A step is heard—with glowing cheeks She hides the sketch—and vainly seeks To sing as blithely as before, While her good mother’s at the door.

O Love! thou subtle, dexterous cheat, To _such_ a maid to prompt deceit! Thy wily lessons to impart To one, till now, who knew not art;— To teach our Mary’s heart to glow With secret thoughts, she dare not shew To her, who erst each feeling shared, As if its inmost cells were bared! Ah! why thus rend the tender bond ’Twixt duteous child and mother fond? ’Tis strange thy sudden work to see, Begun—complete:—_Telle est la vie!_

Among the beaux who fluttered round The gentle Mary, some were found Of that unworthy class, too common, Who speak despitefully of woman, And who, with empty purse and head, For fortune only, woo, and wed; With mind as vacant as the heart, Willing with liberty to part, If in exchange they but obtain The gold to forge dull Hymen’s chain: “For gold,” they swear—(how dainty slip The oaths from each moustachio’d lip!) “With welcome weight can never gall, Nor its bright charms (like Beauty’s) pall!”

Among these gems Lord Squander shone, } A flashy—but not precious stone, } His health, his wealth, his feelings gone: } Misguided youth!—a prey to ills Which spring from long-neglected bills; Heir of an old estate, ’twas true— Now doubly mortgaged to the Jew— Compelled the evils to endure Which only can an heiress cure— “It must be so!” he sighs, “and, ’gad! ’Twill make some pretty person glad”— For ruin tries in vain to shake The self-assurance of a rake. O Vanity! ’tis passing strange, That thou, content with little change, The weakest heads wilt always rule, Nor from thy empire spare one fool! Our bold Adonis, passing well Could every widow’s jointure tell,— Knew, certain as by rule of three, What every spinster’s wealth must be. One month, when hard pressed—what a pity!— He turned his thoughts to the vile city; But flattering Fate, with kindly rigour, Denied him the appointed figure— A blessed release! indeed, ’twere shame To wed a miss with vulgar name; Whate’er her gold, if name she lacks, A dweller of St. Mary Axe! Oh, dreadful!—“No, it ne’er could be; Old family and wealth for me! A lovely girl—good manners, too.” So once again he did review The season’s list—and Mary saw, A prize he straight would seek to draw.

He dreamed not she could e’er withstand His thousand merits; well he scanned Her thousand acres—the rent-roll Of her papa quite charmed his soul: ’Twas very monstrous that her sire Of life, at fifty, would not tire; Pity, for reasons sound and weighty, They could not push him on to eighty! But still—though not a first-rate catch— } The match would be a decent match, } And just his worn-out fortune patch. } So, filled with his sublime intent, To see and conquer, forth he went!

Kind were the Fates: it oft befell Lord Squander met our youthful belle, And often to her side he drew, And tender adoration threw Into his eyes—that she might guess, The love it bored him to confess. She heeded not those loving eyes, Nor once remarked his frequent sighs; Or if she thought of him again, ’Twas but to vote him stupid, vain! A month went by—no progress made! And duns most clamorous to be paid! Urged by his pressing want of cash Our Celadon became more rash, And to explain his purpose better, Bestirred himself, and wrote a letter. A letter such as, well I ween, Few ladies’ eyes have ever seen Self-flatteries laid on so thick; But then the patient was so sick With debt—and with his love intense Was mingled such a confidence; Something like this the letter said, “You, lovely maid, I mean to wed— You’re far too charming, all agree To mate with any one, save me. To spare your blushes, I would rather Arrange the needful with your father: This done—though half the world may wonder, I’ll prove myself your faithful Squander!” Signed—sealed—the letter was despatched: The writer yawned, “At last I’m matched!”

No fears had he—in half an hour His homage entered Mary’s bower, A place unmeet for words of folly; They found her thoughtful—melancholy. ’Twas yet unopened—and a hue Of crimson to her soft cheek flew, By Love’s own instinct half-deceived, She paused, she trembled, and believed The thing she hoped—she broke the seal, Sure that the letter must reveal Lord Deloraine’s love, which though full well She knew, she longed to have him tell. But angry as Idalia’s Queen, If, bent on journey, she had seen Her doves towards haunts forbidden wander, When she beheld the name of Squander She stood one instant lost in rage, Then cast away th’ audacious page; She scarcely could the insult bear, That such a brainless fop should dare Address her thus—then once again Thought wistfully of Deloraine.

Struggling with shame she scarce could smother, She gave the letter to her mother; The Lady Percy spared her ire: “What! that known _roué_?—_He_ aspire To win my child, whom best of men Might scarce deserve? Be quick! a pen! I’ll write a proper answer now!” And, ere the flush passed from her brow, A proud rejection sent to Squander, Set that brave youth agape with wonder; And, while he gapes, the ghosts of bets, Dishonoured bills, rapacious debts, In a long line before him come, That stretches out “till crack of doom:” “Well, there’s no choice! and I _must_ pity Some golden Venus of the City!”

Were I a gossip, I could tell Of other suitors to our Belle: One—Sir George Vapid, hearing praised Her wondrous beauty—half-amazed Out of his slumbers—felt the praise, Somewhat like love, a _penchant_ raise; Not in his heart, but in his brain, For he was artless, cold, and vain, And ne’er till doomsday had desired To win a beauty few admired. Had Hebe’s self come down to snare The experienced youth of proud May Fair, He’d but have owned _her_ goddess when A goddess owned her other men. And thus it is—the word t’ admire, Through Fashion’s circles runs like fire; Nine out of ten, my Muse believes, Thus pin their taste on others’ sleeves! And so, with no more sapient reason, He sought the Beauty of the Season.

Needs it to tell how soon his wooing, Like my Lord Squander’s, went to ruin? The self-same pen—as proud, as rapid— His answer gave to Sir George Vapid. Great was his wonder, his dejection Gave birth for once to cool reflection: “There’s some one else, I clearly see, Will carry off this prodigy— I should have liked the gem to wear, And make my friends at Crockford’s stare!” Hail, Envy! thou their choicest bliss, Givest, by rebound, to fools like this!

Now change the scene, for one more gay! At least, so Lords and Ladies say; The maiden’s chamber fades in air, And with its sparkle and its glare, And music’s ever-witching spell, The Opera wooes our youthful Belle. For many a wise and cogent reason, The Lady Percy had each season An opera box; yet, though no prude, Suspicious doubt would now intrude, Whether ’twas right her virgin treasure Should share that fascinating pleasure? She scarcely knows what she intends, And hints her scruples to her friends; But all, inured to play and _ballet_, With many a pleasantry did rally The fears which in the mother woke: “How very odd!—’twas quite a joke! Why, all young ladies, when presented, That harmless paradise frequented. What is it you can see alarming? Not the Cachoucha?—that’s _so_ charming!” “My daughters, though they sometimes flush,” Quoth one high dame, “did never blush— Not even in their earliest teens: I’ve got a box beneath the Queen’s.”

Such sapient rhetoric laughed down all The reasons _Madame Mère_ could call For, or against; and, thus persuaded, Mary, she said, should do as they did— The glories of the opera see, And learn to _speak_ with ecstasy, As Grisi, like a summer bird, Poured forth the tones, while none who heard Had pity wherewithal to note How much the siren strained her throat.

The night is come—and now to eyes Behold the scarlet curtain rise, Which never novel’s page had read, But history, voyages, instead, With lives of great and virtuous men, Such as a Plutarch loved to pen; For poetry the maid had pleaded, And but enjoyed it—wisely weeded: Little she dreamed, how much less knew, What things Italian play-wrights do! Judge then—to make her entrance easy, The piece was “Norma,” played by Grisi! A Priestess breaking vestal vows, A mother twice—not once a spouse: All frenetic with jealous rage, Which nought but vengeance can assuage, Grasping a keen and murderous dagger, To yon low couch behold her stagger, Where sleep her babes:—but love prevails, The mother stays—the murderess fails! When this dark picture Mary saw She trembled—scarcely dared to draw Her breath—the while Bellini stole With magic witchery through her soul, And tears relieved her; then there came O’er her young brow the blush of shame. Around she timid glanced her eye, But none looked shocked, and none looked shy; Faces, as youthful as her own, Were placid all—nor there were shewn The feelings wakened in _her_ breast, By Norma’s love and shame confessed! The curtain falls—the horror’s o’er, And Mary calmer breathes once more!

_The Opera_

_BRISK MUSIC GAYER SCENES ANNOUNCES
AND IN A HALF-DRESSED DANSEUSE BOUNCES_
]