How Thought You That This Thing Could Captivate?

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

　　

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How thought you that this thing could captivate? What are those graces that could make her dear, Who is not worth the notice of a sneer, To rouse the vapid devil of her hate? A speech conventional, so void of weight, That after it has buzzed about one's ear, 'Twere rich refreshment for a week to hear The dentist babble or the barber prate; A hand displayed with many a little art; An eye that glances on her neighbor's dress; A foot too often shown for my regard; An angel's form -- a waiting-woman's heart; A perfect-featured face, expressionless, Insipid, as the Queen upon a card.

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