Classic Poem

Pray , who was Lady Hume? and why her blush?
Was it a sad or sweet emotion
Which wakened on her cheek this earliest flush
Of dawn awakening the ocean?

Was it the voice of homage women prize,
Or undreamt love's abrupt confession?
Or did the mute reproach of sorrowing eyes
Beyond all speech make intercession?

Was it the flash of anger half controlled,
Or shame's ill-masked hue of panic?
Or the resentment of a virtue bold
Withstanding passion's burst volcanic?

We'll hope that she, whose name upon thy bloom
All princes shall outlast and powers,
Lacked not a soul her beauty to perfume
Like thee, O Queen! but of the scentless flowers;

That like the matron fair I may not name,
Her blush betrayed a soul transcending
Her charms, and through them glowing to proclaim
Its grace with their effulgence blending.