I took her dainty eyes, as well <br />As silken tendrils of her hair: <br />And so I made a Villanelle! <br /> <br />I took her voice, a silver bell, <br />As clear as song, as soft as prayer; <br />I took her dainty eyes as well. <br /> <br />It may be, said I, who can tell, <br />These things shall be my less despair? <br />And so I made a Villanelle! <br /> <br />I took her whiteness virginal <br />And from her cheek two roses rare: <br />I took her dainty eyes as well. <br /> <br />I said: “It may be possible <br />Her image from my heart to tear!” <br />And so I made a Villanelle. <br /> <br />I stole her laugh, most musical: <br />I wrought it in with artful care; <br />I took her dainty eyes as well; <br />And so I made a Villanelle.<br /><br />Ernest Christopher Dowson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/villanelle-of-his-lady-s-treasures/
