Poems (Tennyson, 1843)/Volume 1/The Sisters

by Alfred Tennyson

For other versions of this work, see The Sisters (Tennyson).

THE SISTERS.

i.

We were two daughters 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!

ii.

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!

iii.

I made a feast; I bad 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!

iv.

I kiss'd his eyelids into rest:

His ruddy cheeks 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!

v.

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!

vi.

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!