Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 56 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 56: what you’re looking at
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# Page 38: Narrative Poetry This is a page of running verse text (page 38 of a larger work), not a title page or illustration. The passage describes a woman—identified as "Psyche"—moving hesitantly through a space illuminated by a fading lamp, pausing twice in fear. The narrator then addresses the Muse, asking whether it can adequately describe a divine vision Psyche witnessed: a celestial youth of radiant, blinding beauty whose appearance embodies Love itself, with golden curls and majestic bearing. The verse employs archaic diction ("wilt thou," "ween") and focuses on themes of fear, wonder, and supernatural beauty rendered invisible to mortal perception.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘ 38 ‘Twice, as with agitated step she went, The lamp expiring shone with doubtful gleam, As though it warned her from her rash intent: And twice she paused, and on its trembling beam Gazed with suspended breath, while voices seem _ With murmuring sound along the roof to sigh; As one just waking from a troublous dream, With palpitating heart and straining eye, Still fixed with fear remains, still thinks the danger nigh. Oh, daring Muse! wilt thou indeed essay To paint the wonders which that lamp could shew ? And canst thou hope in Living words to say The dazzling glories of that heavenly view ? Ah! well I ween, that if with pencil true That splendid vision could be well exprest, The fearful awe imprudent Psyche knew Would seize with rapture every wondering breast, When Love’s all potent charms divinely stood confest. All imperceptible to human touch, His wings display celestial essence light, The clear effulgence of the blaze is such, The brilliant plumage shines so heavenly bright That mortal eyes turn dazzled from the sight ; A youth he seems in manhood’s freshest years ; Round his fair neck, as clingiig with delight, Each golden curl resplendently appears, Or shades his darker brow, which grace majestic Wears. { \ Comichbooksseom