XXI. Softly blows the western breeze Among the tops of lofty trees; The soul to calm; And soothes the mind, Wafting care behind. Sitting amidst cooling bowers, O'er heath and broom; Every sense beguiles. Sitting there alone with thought, Where Eva sat, and Eva smiled. A smile of love, Like a ray from above. XXII. At noon I wander forth alone, Once more to St. John's Wood am I gone. Annie and Eva on the lawn, But gentle Annie's thoughts are where [The girls left him to welcome me]; Eva I ask to take a stroll, Being with the idea impressed So Eva took my arm; Conversing in gentlest strains, Of summer's golden rains, Or plucking a flower from its stalk. But my spirit, free as air, Lingered round the other pair. XXIII. Some words like these in Eva's ear Sometimes she answered not, but oft How lovely is an English June! How green the lawns, how fresh the grass! How soft and velvety the turf, Beneath our footsteps as we pass ! Eva, how I wish that we Could always thus together be! Not for me is joy in June, Scarce for me the trees, the grass, Wild and restless is my fate, Wandering many a weary mile, To catch a glimpse of a beauteous eye. Yet, Eva, think not hard of me, Nor name me fool for thoughts of thee. XXIV. Hush, Eva! was not that a sigh, Some one on his knees, On the flowering ground; Some one urging hopes, Hush! a manly voice Pleads in woman's tones; Now the choice she owns. Some one's little hand With kisses quite subdued; Some one archly smiles, "Alfred, dear, how rude!" |