Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 78 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 78: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page 60 of a Victorian Penny Dreadful This is a page of running verse poetry, numbered 60, containing narrative verse apparently based on the classical myth of Psyche. The text describes a woman (referred to as "fair Psyche") crossing a bridge while anxious about a dove she is carrying. She arrives at a grand hall with music and dancing, but remains distressed and unable to enjoy the festivities. The passage concludes with a scene of guests reclining on a couch attended by a young page-boy who steadfastly refuses to participate in their entertainments, remaining loyal to his master. The verse employs a romantic, melodramatic tone typical of Victorian sensational literature.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- 60 At length with timid foot the bridge she past, And to her guardian knight clung fearfully, While many a doubting glance around she cast, If still her watchful dove she might espy ; Feebly it seemed on labouring wing to fly, Till, dazzled by the sudden glare around, In painful trance is closed its dizzy eye, And had it not fair Psyche’s bosom found, Its drooping pinion soon had touched the unhallowed eround, Hence there arose within her heart sore dread Which no alluring pleasure could dispel ; The splendid hall with luscious banquet spread, The soft breathed flutes which in sweet concert swell, With melody of song unspeakable ; Nor the light dancing troops in roses drest, Could chase the terrors which she dared not tell, While fondly cherished in her anxious breast She strove in vain to sooth the fluttering bird to rest. ‘ | On a soft downy couch the guests are placed, And close behind them stands their watchful page, But much his strict attendance there disgraced, And much was scorned his green and tender age, Tlis calm fixed eye, and steady aspect sage: But him nor rude disdain, nor mockery, | Nor soothing blandishments could e’er engage The wanton mazes of their sports to try, Or from his lord to turn his firm adhering eye. Comichbookssneom