Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
A Book of SonnetsThe Four Princesses at Wilna
A Photograph
S
As from a castle window, looking down
On some gay pageant passing through a town,
Yourselves the fairest figures in the scene;
With what a gentle grace, with what serene
Unconsciousness ye wear the triple crown
Of youth and beauty and the fair renown
Of a great name, that ne’er hath tarnished been!
From your soft eyes, so innocent and sweet,
Four spirits, sweet and innocent as they,
Gaze on the world below, the sky above;
Hark! there is some one singing in the street;
“Faith, Hope, and Love! these three, he seems to say;
“These three; and greatest of the three is Love.”