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JOĀO TO CONSTANÇA.
  
  
  
  
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JOĀO TO CONSTANÇA.

(A lesté Sunrise.)

[_]

The lesté is a south-east wind, frequently prevalent for several days. At the beginning or close of a lesté the sunrises and sunsets are superb. Purple is the colour particularly prominent.

Yonder flush across the sea
Brings the morning back to me
When you seemed to lend the light
That dispersed the lingering night;

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When I heard your step, and knew
Joy of joy! 'twas surely you;
When I turned and saw your face,
Saw you glide with girlish grace;
Though before my heart was moved,
Then it was that first I loved.
Rosy cloudlets, lately dun,
Seemed as now to hide the sun;
Other cloudlets seemed to stand
Ready waiting his command.
Brighter, brighter grew the group,
Every tint was in the troop,
Red, and blue, and rich maroon,
Fleecy white appearing soon,
As at length we plighted troth,
Hallowed moments for us both.
O'er the peaks the vapoury shrouds
Shifted with the shifting clouds;
Faintly purpled clouds were spread
O'er the peaceful ocean's bed;
Clouds empurpled now, and grand,
Cast a halo o'er the land.
Every bird and opening flower
Felt the gladness of the hour,
As the gentle landward breeze
Stirred the tall banana-trees.
You remember how the day,
While dawn's freshness wore away,

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Took a dimmer purple hue
As the clouds were changed anew,
You remember how we walked,
You remember how we talked,
How, beneath this trellised vine,
Oft you told me you were mine,
Each remembrance makes more clear
All the debt I owe you, dear.