I could see a tear Tremble in her eye, As a voice I hear, Saying, "Sweet, good-bye." Eva, looking at me, Saying, "Mind you come, For to-morrow we Are at home at noon." Saying, "We will play Croquêt on the grass, As we did to-day, When you chanced to pass." Eva's hand in mine, Eva young and fair, Looking so divine, With her golden hair. Her soft hand I hold, Feel the little palm ; Does she feel it cold, That she stands so calm ? No, she still is child, And her heart still free; Knows no beating wild— Will it beat for me? Dangerous it is, Standing at the door, With a maid like this, Who ne'er loved before. Should I win her heart? 66 Is there she will prize? Eva, my lips have come So very close to thine, That I think, like some, Would those lips were mine!" I have a long walk, Ere I reach my home; If I want to talk, To-morrow I must come. "Croquêt we will play, 'Neath the summer sun;" But I think in May Little play is done. We shall talk of joy, Summer's lovely weather; As when girl and boy, We used to romp together. Yes! this Eva then Was a little wild ; I remember when, She was a lively child. "Well, 'tis time to go, For the hour is late, And at home, you know, Bed must find me straight.” "If I do not sleep In the early night, Dreaming shall I keep, Till past morning light." She has turned away, Left me at the door, To be seen no more. The door shuts, she is gone; I am left alone In the lovely night. XV. Again, Out in the night, Alone with nature and thought, Walking 'twixt scented bushes of May, Perfuming with sweetness the midnight air; And pain. Thinking, Loitering along, Creeping near the hedged railings, Shining with many a radiant star, Looking at me along the palings, Drinking. XVI. I am thinking how, in the days gone by, I watched her blush when I praised her eyes, And Nelly blushed a deeper hue, As her eyes from my ardent gaze withdrew. |