Roundabout Papers - Penn State University

Thackerayful, celebrated and unfortunate princess whose memorythe Professor loves—when Mary, wife of Francis the Second,King of France, and by her own right proclaimedQueen of Scotland and England (poor soul!), enteredParis with her young bridegroom, good Peter Ronsardwrote of her—“Toi qui as veu l’excellence de celleQui rend le ciel de l’Escosse envieux,Dy hardiment, contentez vous mes yeux,Vous ne verrez jamais chose plus belle.”*“Vous ne verrez jamais chose plus belle.” Here is anAlexandrine written three hundred years ago, as simpleas bon jour. Professor Aytoun is more ornate. After elegantlycomplimenting the spring, and a description ofher Royal Highness’s well-known ancestors the “Berserkers,”he bursts forth—“The Rose of Denmark comes, the Royal Bride!O loveliest Rose! our paragon and pride—Choice of the Prince whom England holds so dear—What homage shall we payTo one who has no peer?What can the bard or wildered minstrel sayMore than the peasant who on bended kneeBreathes from his heart an earnest prayer for thee?Words are not fair, if that they would expressIs fairer still; so lovers in dismayStand all abashed before that lovelinessThey worship most, but find no words to pray.Too sweet for incense! (bravo!) Take our lovesinstead—Most freely, truly, and devoutly given;Our prayer for blessings on that gentle head,For earthly happiness and rest in Heaven!May never sorrow dim those dove-like eyes,But peace as pure as reigned in Paradise,Calm and untainted on creation’s eve,Attend thee still! May holy angels,” &c.* Quoted in Mignet’s “Life of Mary.”295