How Thought You That This Thing Could Captivate?

Portrait of Alfred Lord Tennyson
Alfred Lord Tennyson 1809–1892

How thought you that this thing could captivate? What are those graces that could make her dear, Who is not worth the notice of a sneer, To rouse the vapid devil of her hate? A speech conventional, so void of weight, That after it has buzzed about one's ear, 'Twere rich refreshment for a week to hear The dentist babble or the barber prate;

A hand displayed with many a little art; An eye that glances on her neighbor's dress; A foot too often shown for my regard; An angel's form -- a waiting-woman's heart; A perfect-featured face, expressionless, Insipid, as the Queen upon a card.

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