She showed me how to descend, And returned again to the house; My eyes on the gravel bent, Till I came to the walk's abrupt bend. I suddenly looked o'er the glades, Two lovely creatures at play, Brightened all like the lightning's flash ; Though their heads were half turned from me, Made me glad I had come that way. VI. Annie, whose ringlets fell In shining masses of jet, Round a brow clear, open, and fair, Annie, whose eyes flashed bright, Glistening in morning dew. Annie, whose form was cast In symmetry, softness, and grace, Whose figure and stature matched With the charms of her sunlit face. Annie, the first-born child, The pride of a happy home, Gently and kindly reared, To her eighteenth summer had come. VII. Eva, o'er whose shoulders Streamed masses of golden hair, Left to float on the breezes, And shade her forehead fair. Eva, whose eyes, like Annie's, Flashed hazel, dark and serene, With a light as mild and soft As e'er greeted summer scene. Eva, whose form not yet Had grown to womanly mould, Whose cheeks bloomed beautifully fair, 'Neath the tresses of shining gold. Eva, whose years had scarce Matured her beauty and grace, Stood lovely amidst bright beams, With a smile on her beautiful face. VIII. There was on Annie's lips The slightest expression of pride, A curl of conscious worth, And conscious beauty beside. There flashed from the depth of her eyes A spark of power and will, Not to be easily curbed; 'Twas that held me so still. On Eva's face a smile Of sweet recognition appeared; Frank and free as the morn, When the lark in the cloud is heard. A softened light in her eye, Speaking the warmth of the soul; Her movements were childlike still, Both seemed conscious at once With a half-inquiring air. But Eva instantly knew, And offered a hand as white, Annie also drew near, Greeted me with a smile; In a modest, maidenly style. IX. Both girls remembered old times When we met but two years ago; Years past, although only two, Seemed spent in distant climes. Those happy hours spent, With two little maidens bright, Vanished in a corner of thought, Into memory's store-rooms went. Now, revived once more By the cheerful voices and smiles, I joined them in their game; Healthful in open air, Played 'neath a summer sky, When the grass is short and dry, And nature blooms smiling and fair. At once relieving the mind, True! you can flirt while you play ; We played for a brief half-hour, Till a dinner-bell ringing we hear ; Each adorns with a favourite flower. |