Poems by Violet Fane [i.e. M. M. Lamb] With Portrait engraved by E. Stodart ... in two volumes |
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THE COQUETTE.
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 | Poems by Violet Fane [i.e. M. M. Lamb] |  |
17
THE COQUETTE.
I listen'd, scarcely knowing that I listen'd,
It nestled in my unsuspecting breast;
I mark'd its plumage fair, its eyes that glisten'd,
And smooth'd with careless hand its golden crest;
I call'd it now a curse, and now a blessing,—
I fondled it, I tortured and caress'd,
Till, wearied of my teasing and caressing,
It flew away, and yet I never guess'd! . . .
It nestled in my unsuspecting breast;
I mark'd its plumage fair, its eyes that glisten'd,
And smooth'd with careless hand its golden crest;
I call'd it now a curse, and now a blessing,—
I fondled it, I tortured and caress'd,
Till, wearied of my teasing and caressing,
It flew away, and yet I never guess'd! . . .
It flew away, and as I watch'd it flying,
And saw its pinions fluttering above,
I stretch'd my arms towards it, wildly crying
“Return! and be again my captive dove!”
But from its gentle voice came no replying,
In vain to lure it back to me I strove,
And all the voices of my heart are sighing,
“Ah, it was Love!”
And saw its pinions fluttering above,
I stretch'd my arms towards it, wildly crying
“Return! and be again my captive dove!”
But from its gentle voice came no replying,
In vain to lure it back to me I strove,
And all the voices of my heart are sighing,
“Ah, it was Love!”
| Poems by Violet Fane [i.e. M. M. Lamb] | |