Part 19

I will drop in his way some obscure epistle of love; wherein, by the color of his beard, the shape of his leg, the manner of his gait, the expressure of his eye, forehead, and complexion, he shall find himself most feelingly personated.

Twelfth Night.

WHAT IS THE PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF HIM WHO LOVES YOU?

1. On his bold visage middle age Has slightly press'd its signet sage, Yet has not quench'd the open truth And fiery vehemence of youth.

SCOTT--Lady of the Lake.

2. He is young And eminently beautiful, and life Mantles in eloquent fulness on his lip, And sparkles in his glance, and in his mien There is a gracious pride that every eye Follows with benisons.

WILLIS.

3. He hath but a little wee face, with a little yellow beard.

Merry Wives of Windsor.

4. The high-born eye, That checks low mirth, but lacks not courtesy.

BYRON--Corsair.

5. Locks jet black, and clustering round a face Open as day, and full of manly daring.

ROGERS--Italy.

6. His face is keen as is the wind That cuts along the hawthorn fence, A motley air Of courage and of impudence.

WORDSWORTH.

7. Oh what a deal of scorn looks beautiful In the contempt and anger of his lip!

Twelfth Night.

8. A goodly person, and can manage faire His stubborn steed, Who under him doth trample in the air, And chafe, that any on his back should sit.

SPENSER.

9. His waggish face, that speaks a soul jocose, Seems t'have been cast i' the mould of fun and glee; And on the bridge of his well-arched nose, Sits laughter plumed, and white-wing'd jollity.

TENNENT--Anster Fair.

10. The glow of temperance o'er his cheek is spread, Where the soft down half veils the chasten'd red.

CRABBE.

11. Readable as open book; And much of easy dignity there lies In the frank lifting of his cordial eyes.

LEIGH HUNT--Rimini.

12. Underneath that face, like summer ocean's, Its lip as moveless, and its cheek as clear, Slumbers a whirlwind of the heart's emotions, Love, hatred, pride, hope, sorrow--all save fear.

HALLECK.

13. Singing he is, or fluting all the day; He is as fresh as is the month of May. He can songs make, and well indite, Jouste, and eke dance, and well portray and write; Courteous he is, lowly and serviceable, And carveth for his father at the table.