The Answer

He is of illustrious name,
Free from spot, and free from blame;
Bred as noble minds are bred,
Leading, too, as he was led:
Yet I love him not—and I
Know full well the reason why!

Lustrous are his eyes as light,
And as milk his skin is white;
Never did vermillion streak
Beauty fairer than his cheek:
Yet I love him not—and I
Know full well the reason why!

Wisdom all his forehead arches,
He is tall as mountain larches;
Waving locks of chesnut hair,
Lips as twilight dawning fair:
Yet I love him not—and I
Know full well the reason why!

When he sits upon his steed,
Mars must yield for strength and speed;
Here and there, and to and fro,
Like a Centaur, see, they go:
Yet I love him not—and I
Know full well the reason why!

Witty, wise and honor'd, too;
Tasteful, learned, thro' and thro';
Calm, courageous, just, urbane;
Courteous, aye! without a stain:
Yet I love him not—and I
Know full well the reason why!

When he smiles, delight is nigh;
Joy salutes him, passing by;
Pleasure in his steps is treading,
And his friendship, 'tis an Eden:
Yet I love him not—for I
Heard him call me false—that's why!