Eleanor

Cherry-red her mouth was,
Morning-blue her eye,
Lady-slim her little waist
Rounded prettily;
And her sweet smile of gladness
Made every heart rejoice:
But sweeter even than her smile
The tones were of her voice.

Sometimes she spoke, sometimes she sang;
And evermore the sound
Floated, a dreamy melody,
Upon the air around;
As though a wind were singing
Far up beside the sun.
Till sound and warmth and glory
Were blended all in one.

Her hair was long and golden.
And clustered unconfined
Over a forehead high and white
That spoke a noble mind.
Her little hand, her little foot
Were ready evermore
To hurry forth to meet a friend;
She smiling at the door.

But, if she sang or if she spoke,
'Twas music soft and grand,
As though a distant singing sea
Broke on a tuneful strand;
As though a blessed Angel
Were singing a glad song,
Halfway between the earth and heaven
Joyfully borne along.