I took her dainty eyes, as well  As silken tendrils of her hair: And so I made a Villanelle!  I took her voice, a silver bell,  As clear as song, as soft as prayer; I took her dainty eyes as well.  It may be, said I, who can tell,  These things shall be my less despair? And so I made a Villanelle!  I took her whiteness virginal  And from her cheek two roses rare: I took her dainty eyes as well.  I said: “It may be possible  Her image from my heart to tear!” And so I made a Villanelle.  I stole her laugh, most musical:  I wrought it in with artful care; I took her dainty eyes as well; And so I made a Villanelle. Â
-Ernest Christopher Dawson, "Villanelle of His Lady's Treasures"














