Poems (Spofford)/Palmistry

PALMISTRY.
A little hand, a fair soft hand,Dimpled and sweet to kiss:No sculptor ever carved from stoneA lovelier hand than this.
A hand as idle and as whiteAs lilies on their stems;Dazzling with rosy finger-tips,Dazzling with crusted gems.
Another hand,—a tired old hand,Written with many lines;A faithful, weary hand, whereonThe pearl of great price shines!
For folded, as the wingéd flySleeps in the chrysalis,Within this little palm I seeThat lovelier hand than this!