66 [From the French.] VICTOR HUGO. HE dawn has awakened the skies; Why not awaken, O beautiful eyes? The flowers have unfolded their leaves, Wakens the rose at my feet: Thou art a fresh budding rose, Why art thou sleeping, my sweet? Wake then, O darling, with earth's fairest things, List to thy lover who watches and sings. The world is arisen from rest, Nature around says, "Arise!" 374 "ARISE!" All that is brightest and best Rosy clouds bring thee the day, Gifts they bring, many and rare, Only my heart brings thee love. Wake then, O darling, with earth's fairest things, THREE KISSES. [Imitated from the German.] A. VON CHAMISSO. OU little maid with golden hair, As at my thin grey locks you stare, Your lisping tongue Half asks the question which your eyes Half mirror in their sweet surprise, Well, yes, there was a time, I think, When even you could scarcely shrink Some thought I was a handsome youth, But then they died, in sober truth, Long years ago. 376 THREE KISSES. Your dimpled face, so rosy round, Recalls, as on my knee you bound, Another, As fresh and fair, which some one wore. Who was she? Why, my pet, 'twas your Once in those days I kissed her hand Your grandpapa; and as for me, A broken heart across the sea I carried. When I returned, your mother, sweet, Was there my wearied steps to greet But then came days of lovers' tryst ; Her fair brow as a bride I kist In sadness. THREE KISSES. Since then I've travelled far and wide, And now you're sitting by my side, And often from your voice they ring, The songs your mother used to sing,- But as I kiss your baby lips, And little rosy finger-tips, My laughter Is mingled with regret: I know The child must to a woman grow, 377 |