Sweet to hearts just joined in love Sweet is the whisper breathed, To her she is going to lose, If the feelings are true and sincere. Sweet was the tinge on Annie's cheek; A look more sweet, a smile more meek, I left them, happy in joys to come- XXVI. Why did I come once more Into the busy world? Where every feeling and hope, From its seat in the heart is hurled. Where love is crushed and betrayed, To make room for chances of gold; "Twas Eva's lovely smile, The flash of her hazel eye, But though naught passed but her smile, Though she gave me no look or sign, Yet I shall, I scarce know why, Go there this evening to dine. Perhaps, if Eva will sing, Or Annie will warble a lay, I shall become cheerful and gay. Gay? I who had vowed never more The lesson I learnt when a boy! Gay? I had promised myself I shall be by her side to-night. To-night? yes, this eve I shall sit And Alfred will be there, too, With Annie, his promised bride. Yes! let me forget the follies of youth, XXVII. Why walk the lovers alone to-night? Annie is going to stay With an aunt out of town, For a short time going away; Alfred must say good-bye, Only for a month. Soon she will return, Warmer kisses burn; When they think of parting, Eager glances darting Each in other's eyes; Sighs are mixed with sighs. Why do lovers sigh? Joy in expression fails, For their pure ecstacy ; Has something in its tone, Drawn from the heart alone, Falling on the part of sense, Where dwelleth nature's innocence. Sensual life meanwhile Vanished far away; The air with sounds seems rife, Echoes float around, Amidst each charming sound, One falling sweeter than all ; Then, "Alfred, keep your thoughts with me ; Let our thoughts be wholly the same, Let us live a little while, By thinking of each other; A month will increase our mutual flame." Thus, passing time in childish talk, XXVIII. Golden the moon rose o'er the trees, Softly sighed the summer breeze, While the west grew pale and cold, Eva tells me she is told Many pretty songs I know. I will give her a little song, For one of her own gentle lays ; One I made in coming along, Full of thoughts in Eva's praise. |