The Sisters
^^^^^^^^^^^

by Lord Alfred Tennyson


Reprinted in 1842 from the 1833 volume, with no change except 'and' for 'an''
in 'turret and tree.'


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!

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!

I made a feast; I bade 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!

I kiss'd his eyelids into rest,
His ruddy cheek upon my breast.
   The wind is raging in turrent and tree.
I hated him with the hate of hell,
But I loved his beauty passing well.
   O, the earl was fair to see!

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!

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 this mother's feet.
   O, the earl was fair to see!