University of Virginia Library


33

ASSOCIATION

I know a maid who says me nay,
But whose warm wizardries of lure,
Whate'er the distance I shall stray,
With dear companionships endure.
For when the lily of dawn breaks pure,
Its peace and sanctity impart
In chaste auroral portraiture
The semblance of her virgin heart.
Or yet, while pulses glow and start,
Her voice my answering spirit thrills,
When deep through lyres of leafage dart
The zephyr's long euphonious trills.
Or in some damask rose that spills
Rare balms and dews her lips I trace;
Her laugh the allegros of the rills
Repeat; the willow applauds her grace.
And when the darkening doors of space
Benignant night's bold hand unbars,
The silvery symbols of her face
Throng earthward from a thousand stars.