Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 40 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Description This is a page of running poetry (page 22) from what appears to be a Victorian narrative poem or penny dreadful. The text describes a female character entering an elaborate, gem-filled palace or mansion. The verse catalogs precious stones—amethyst, topaz, sapphire, ruby, emerald, diamonds—adorning the ornate halls and chambers. There is a reference to a gem connected to mythological death by Phoebus (Apollo). The poetry emphasizes the overwhelming luxury and visual splendor designed to captivate a woman's sensibilities, suggesting a fantastical or sensational narrative setting of opulence and wonder.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ae aw Increasing wonder filled her ravished soul, For now the pompous portals opened wide, There, pausing oft, with timid foot she stole Through halls high domed, enriched with sculptured pride, While gay saloons appeared on either side In splendid vista opening to her sight ; And all with precious gems so beautified, And furnished with such exquisite delight, That scarce the beams of heaven emit such lustre bright. The amethyst was there of violet hue, And there the:topaz shed its golden ray, The chrysoberyl, and the sapphire blue | | As the clear azure of a sunny day, Or the mild eyes where amorous glances play ; The snow white jasper, and the opal’s flame, The blushing ruby, and the agate grey, And there the gem which bears his luckless name Whose death by Phoebus mourned ensured him death- less fame. There the green emerald, there cornelians glow, And rich carbuncles pour eternal light, With all that India and Peru can shew, Or Labrador can give so flaming bright ‘To the charmed mariner’s half dazzled sight: The coral paved baths with diamonds blaze : And all that can the female heart delight Of fair attire, the last recess displays, And all that Luxury can BER lier eye SUIveys. Comichbooksscom