Poem by Alfred Tennyson

The Sisters

We were two sisters of one race:
She was the fairest in the face:
        The wind is blowing in turret and tree.
They were together, and she fell;
Therefore revenge became me well.
        O the Earl was fair to see!

She died: she went to burning flame:
She mix’d her ancient blood with shame.
        The wind is howling in turret and tree.
Whole weeks and months, and early and late,
To win his love I lay in wait:
        O the Earl was fair to see!

I made a feast; I bade him come;
I won his love, I brought him home.
        The wind is roaring in turret and tree.
And after supper, on a bed,
Upon my lap he laid his head:
        O the Earl was fair to see!

I kiss’d his eyelids into rest:
His ruddy cheek upon my breast.
        The wind is raging in turret and tree.
I hated him with the hate of hell,
But I loved his beauty passing well.
        O the Earl was fair to see!

I rose up in the silent night:
I made my dagger sharp and bright.
        The wind is raving in turret and tree.
As half-asleep his breath he drew,
Three times I stabb’d him thro’ and thro’.
        O the Earl was fair to see!

I curl’d and comb’d his comely head,
He look’d so grand when he was dead.
        The wind is blowing in turret and tree.
I wrapt his body in the sheet,
And laid him at his mother’s feet.
        O the Earl was fair to see!

1. In the Valley of Cauteretz
2. The Cock
3. The Lord of Burleigh
4. Epitaph on General Gordon
5. O True and Tried

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