Sonnet: On A Picture Of Leander.

by John Keats

    Come hither all sweet Maidens soberly
    Down looking aye, and with a chasten'd light
    Hid in the fringes of your eyelids white,
    And meekly let your fair hands joined be,
    As if so gentle that ye could not see,
    Untouch'd, a victim of your beauty bright,
    Sinking away to his young spirit's night,
    Sinking bewilder'd 'mid the dreary sea.
    'Tis young Leander toiling to his death.
    Nigh swooning he doth purse his weary lips
    For Hero's cheek, and smiles against her smile.
    O horrid dream! see how his body dips
    Dead-heavy; arms and shoulders gleam awhile;
    He's gone; up bubbles all his amorous breath!