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.