THE ROSICRUCIANS,

And in their hearts is a credulous hope.
Young Emma mirrors the Queen’s
Majesty, sweetness, and grace;
But her gaze, at times languid In 19th-century romantic poetry, a "languid" or "languishing" gaze often suggested a sensitive, soulful, or melancholic disposition, making a character more sympathetic to the reader.,
Gives her features a more touching charm.
Blanche, her sister—the lighthearted and lively Blanche—
Pleases in a different way, yet always knows how to please:
Her heart deceives her, and her fearful pride
Vainly believes it can escape from love's grasp.
Rich and powerful, the cold Oswal and the proud Althor
In vain offer the bonds of marriage original: "hymen... la chaîne" to the Queen’s daughters;
And, having no rivals, they continue to hope.
Others shone within this crowded court.
But by their features, and by their effortless grace,
The eye easily recognizes the Frenchmen,
Who were then the voluntary subjects of Elfride This suggests a legendary or idealized history where French nobles choose to serve the English crown out of admiration rather than conquest..
Raoul and Albert, pages to the two princesses,
Have earned the royal favor:
Since childhood, to their noble mistresses
They have been devoted, and they grow in the pursuit of honor.
Even more beautiful, their sister, standing beside Elfride