by Alfred Tennyson, Lord (1809 - 1892)
The sisters' shame
Language: English
We were two daughters of one race; She was the fairest in the face. The wind is blowing in turret and tree. They were together, and she fell; Therefore revenge became me well. O, the earl was fair to see! She died; she went to burning flame; She mix'd her ancient blood with shame. The wind is howling in turret and tree. Whole weeks and months, and early and late, To win his love I lay in wait. O, the earl was fair to see! I made a feast; I bade him come; I won his love, I brought him home, The wind is roaring in turret and tree. And after supper on a bed, Upon my lap he laid his head. O, the earl was fair to see! I kiss'd his eyelids into rest, His ruddy cheeks upon my breast. The wind is raging in turret and tree. I hated him with the hate of hell, But I loved his beauty passing well. O, the earl was fair to see! I rose up in the silent night; I made my dagger sharp and bright. The wind is raving in turret and tree. As half-asleep his breath he drew, Three time I stabb'd him thro' and thro'. O, the earl was fair to see! I curl'd and comb'd his comely head, He looked so grand when he was dead. The wind is blowing in turret and tree. I wrapt his body in the sheet, And laid him at his mother's feet. O, the earl was fair to see!
Text Authorship:
- by Alfred Tennyson, Lord (1809 - 1892), "The sisters' shame" [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- [ None yet in the database ]
Settings in other languages, adaptations, or excerpts:
- Also set in German (Deutsch), a translation by Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810 - 1876) , "Die Schwestern" ; composed by Adolf Jensen.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2011-07-17
Line count: 36
Word count: 259