I gazed on orbs of flashing black; <br />I met the glow of hazel light; <br />I marked the hue of laughing blue, <br />That sparkled in the festive night. <br />But none could fling a lasting spell <br />To hold me with unchanging power-- <br />The chains they cast were never fast <br />Beyond the gay and fleeting hour-- <br />Till Grey-eyed Mabel's gentle glance, <br />With blushing sense and beauty rife, <br />Bade my soul cry with burning sigh, <br />'I'm thine, and only thine, for life.' <br />Black, blue, and hazel stars have set, <br />But Mabel's grey eyes lead me yet. <br /> <br />What was it in sweet Mabel's eyes <br />That told me what no others told, <br />That roused the dull, that pleased the wise, <br />That charmed the young and cheered the old? <br />What was it held my world-worn breast <br />In holy thrall--unknown before? <br />What was it those grey eyes expressed <br />That made me worship and adore? <br />It was the pure and tender ray <br />That filled those eyes in joy or woe; <br />It was the beam that could not play <br />Without the fountain stream below; <br />It was the beam of simple truth, <br />Of Woman's faith and trusting Youth. <br /> <br />Those soft, grey eyes were watched by mine <br />With earnest, deep, and secret prayer; <br />I knew, I felt, my earthly shrine <br />Was found and fixed for ever--there. <br />I poured my heart one moonlit night <br />Into sweet Mabel's listening ear; <br />Our mutual vow, from then till now, <br />Bound each to each--fond, firm, and dear. <br />Our boys and girls are growing round, <br />And all give promise, brave and fair, <br />But one, young cherub form is found <br />First in my love, my hope, my care. <br />And why?--ah! why? My soul replies, <br />'She has dear Mabel's soft, grey eyes.'<br /><br />Eliza Cook<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/grey-eyed-mabel/
